Today is International Day of Disabled People. This is a United Nations sanctioned day that aims to promote an understanding of disabled people and encourage support.
The theme this year is: “Break Barriers, Open Doors: for an inclusive society and development for all”. To recognise this day and theme, as well as raise awareness of sport and physical activity for disabled people, the English Federation of Disability Sport is promoting opportunities available to disabled people across the country.
On this day, the English Federation of Disability Sport (now known as Activity Alliance) will release a much awaited guide to improve access for disabled people in sports clubs. “Access for all: Opening Doors” aims to break down one of the main barriers for people with a range of impairments- venue accessibility. EFDS has worked with an access consultant to produce a user-friendly guide, with the aim to ensure more disabled people can enjoy being active in more places. More information and the download link will be released on 3 December.
There are many ways you can get involved with EFDS:
- They are encouraging people to use the hashtag #DoorsToActivity
- A Thunderclap has been set up for people to support during the week. You can support it by clicking this link https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/7071-doors-to-activity. Thunderclap is the crowd-speaking platform that helps people be heard by saying something together. If enough people support it, Thunderclap will blast out a timed Facebook Post or Tweet from all your supporters, creating a wave of attention.
EFDS hopes sport, fitness and other providers will promote their opportunities for disabled people. The opportunities do not have to be on this day but could be weekly sessions, sports programmes, or linked to an accessible Inclusive Fitness Initiative gym etc.
Please join in. Tell EFDS what your #DoorsToActivity are and support our campaign to open more doors, so disabled people can be active for life.