Around 1.5 million people in the UK have a learning disability, yet they are nearly twice as likely to be physically inactive compared to the general population. People with a learning disability can face a range of challenges and barriers that make it harder to be active.
This guide outlines some practical actions you can take to break down barriers and make your sessions more welcoming and inclusive to people with a learning disability.
- Understanding the barriers
People with a learning disability may face a range of challenges that make it harder to be active. These include:
- Limited access to inclusive, accessible sessions
- Lack of confidence or previous negative experiences
- Fewer opportunities within local communities
- Social isolation and not feeling welcome
- Wider health inequalities linked to inactivity
- Breaking down barriers
Create a welcoming and inclusive environment
- Clearly communicate that your sessions are open and inclusive for everyone
- Use clear language and easy-read format in promotional material
- Use clear language during sessions
- Offer taster sessions to help people try activities in a low-pressure way
- Ensure staff and volunteers are friendly, approachable and patient
Design activities with flexibility
- Adapt activities to suit different abilities and confidence levels
- Offer shorter sessions or flexible formats where needed
- Focus on fun, enjoyment and social connection, not just performance
- Provide clear instructions and demonstrations
Provide the right support
- Offer additional support where needed, such as buddy systems or smaller group sizes
- Engage carers, families or support workers where appropriate
- Give participants time to learn at their own pace
Work with your local community
- Partner with local community organisations, disability groups and support services
- Involve people with a learning disability in shaping your offer
- Use local networks to promote opportunities and reach new participants
Create clear pathways into activity
- Provide opportunities to progress into regular participation
- Highlight routes into volunteering, leadership or coaching
- Support people to transition from beginner sessions to wider opportunities
Keep listening and improving
- Regularly ask participants for feedback
- Be open to adapting your sessions based on what people need
- Celebrate successes and share stories to inspire others
- Guidance and support
There are a range of national organisations who offer guidance and resources to help you make your sessions more inclusive:
Mencap Sport and Active Communities: provides lived-experience insight and practical tools to make sessions accessible and inclusive.
Activity Alliance Guidance and Resources: offers evidence-based guidance, training and tools to help clubs improve inclusion and engage more disabled people in activity.
UK Coaching Duty to Care – Inclusion guidance: practical advice for coaches on creating inclusive environments, adapting delivery and supporting individual needs.
Sport England accessible and inclusive sports facilities guidance: provides national best practice on inclusive design, delivery and engagement.
