Over 1 in 5 people in the UK are disabled. Discrimination against disabled people persists in various forms within society. From inaccessible infrastructure to prejudiced attitudes, individuals with disabilities often encounter barriers that impede their full participation in social, economic, and cultural life. Despite legal protections and advocacy efforts, discrimination against disabled people remains an issue that requires ongoing awareness, education, and collective action. Some would say, a Government plan of this nature is long overdue.
In February 2024, the UK Government published its Disability Action Plan (DAP). They state the aim of the plan is to make the UK ‘the most accessible place in the world for disabled people to live, work and thrive’. It builds upon existing legislation and initiatives to create a more inclusive society for disabled people. According to the Government, the plan has been developed whilst working closely and collaborating with disabled people and other disability stakeholders.
In this article we will briefly examine the content of the plan and what, as an outdoor sector, we might take from it.
The Disability Action Plan
There were thirty-two actions identified in the plan, across fourteen different areas. The Government says it is committed to working with disabled people, their organisations and other partners in the coming year to:
1. Support disabled people who want to be elected to public office.
2. Include disabled people’s needs in emergency and resilience planning.
3. Include disabled people’s needs in climate-related policies.
4. Improve the information and outcomes for families in which someone is disabled.
5. Make playgrounds more accessible.
6. Help businesses understand the needs of and deliver improvements for disabled people.
7. Explore if the UK could host the Special Olympics World Summer Games.
8. Support people who have guide and assistance dogs.
9. Help the Government measure how effective its policies and services are for disabled people.
10. Research issues facing disabled people in the future.
11. Make government publications and communications more accessible.
12. Improve understanding of the cost of living for disabled people.
13. Promote better understanding of the UNCRPD (United Nations Conventions on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities).
14. Monitor and report progress of the Disability Action plan.
How has the plan been received by disabled people?
As with any Government initiative, there has been a mixed response from the people the plan is aimed to serve.
Whilst many people feel that ‘some progress is better than none’, there are others that believe “the actions set out in the plan are ‘weak’, and too many of the proposed ‘short-term’ actions are not short-term at all – introducing reviews or proposals for 2025, after the General Election where no action can be guaranteed” 1. Furthermore, whilst the Government has suggested there has been significant engagement with disabled people, this has been seen as “superficial”. There remains the concern that disability initiatives
continue to be driven by none disabled people, which sits uncomfortably with many in the disabled community.
The plan has also been criticised due to a lack of commitment and accountability. Many of the actions are unmeasurable, there is no target date for completion and there are no named individuals responsible for achieving them. The Government also uses phases such as ‘we will explore’ or ‘we will work to’ which leaves little confidence that action will be taken. Only time will tell whether this will be the case.
So, what can we take from it?
Despite opinion that the plan is perhaps falling short of what is needed, here are the things I believe the outdoor education sector can take from the new DAP:
Ensuring good representation
As the Government is working to support disabled people into public office, the outdoor sector too should ensure there is adequate disability representation across the various levels of organisations and national governing bodies.
Despite criticism to the contrary, the Government say they are engaging with disabled people to develop the plan and will look to include them as part of their ongoing developments. Outdoor providers should be looking to do the same by having staff, volunteers, governors or advisers with lived experience of disability, which is important when trying to create a more inclusive provision. The commonly used phrase ‘nothing about me, without me’ comes to mind. This articulates the idea that disabled people should be included in the decision-making process when it comes to inclusive practices. Otherwise, how do we know we’re getting it right?
Ensuring services are more accessible
“Disabled people were more likely to report finding access to services in person difficult compared with non-disabled people (51.5% compared with 25.2%)”2
In recent years we have seen a drive towards ensuring services are more accessible to disabled people, and this is reflected in the DAP. As ‘retrofitting’ is incredibly challenging and costly, considering accessibility in any new developments would be sensible, if not essential. Having said this, anything outdoor providers can do to improve access to existing facilities would be welcomed.
Access does not simply apply to buildings and grounds. The Government are committing to making their publications and communications more accessible as well as providing more resources for disabled people and their families. Outdoor providers could take a lead from this and consider all areas of the ‘customer journey’, from first contact on a website or social media, to improved communication and resources whilst accessing the services onsite. Expectations around this, quite rightly, are increasing, so this is something we should all be working to improve.
Changing perceptions of disability
“Only 47% of disabled people think physical activity and exercise are ‘for someone like me’ compared to 71% of non-disabled people”.3
One of the actions the Government is undertaking is to look at the feasibility of the UK hosting the Special Olympics. Whilst this event, which hosts athletes with learning disabilities, would come at significant cost, it would be seen as an excellent opportunity to change perceptions, raise awareness and build the aspirations of disabled people. Outdoor providers could look to follow suit with this. Seeing positive images of disabled people undertaking outdoor activities shows these opportunities can be made
available to everyone. As personal perception is a significant barrier to participation, it would make people more likely to engage with the service.
Developing staff
Sadly, one of the biggest barriers disabled people face to accessing services is the perceptions and attitudes of other people. The DAP refers to disability awareness training as an important way to tackle these barriers. By providing staff with the necessary skills, confidence and resources it will ensure that they are better equipped to welcome people of all abilities to their service. Quality training also creates a ‘can do attitude’ in the culture of the organisation and is likely to result in a more inclusive provision for the long term.
The DAP also suggests that the Government is looking at a badging scheme, similar to the ‘Disability Confident’ badge, so that organisations can communicate to disabled people that they have committed to providing a more inclusive service. This could be something outdoor providers could prepare for now, so that if the scheme is ever launched, they will be good to go.
Financial awareness
Disabled people often face significant financial difficulties due to a combination of factors stemming from systemic inequalities and societal barriers.
Sense UK reported that “disabled households already face higher living costs – paying more for essential goods and services, and with prices rising, more than half (54%) say they are in debt, with more than a third (38%) skipping meals to save money”4. Finance was a common theme that ran through responses during the consultation process on the DAP. Outdoor providers must factor this in if they are to successfully offer a more inclusive provision.
Charities and CIC’s (Community Interest Companies) can draw down funding to make activity programmes more affordable, whilst commercial companies will need to factor in a ‘subsidy
fund’ (for those who need it) as part of their overall annual fee income.
Conclusion
By embracing the principles of inclusion outlined in the action plan, the outdoor education sector stands to benefit in many ways. In addition to fulfilling legal and ethical obligations, inclusive practices can enhance the overall quality of programming, can engage and motivate staff, foster a sense of belonging among participants, and contribute to positive social change.
The UK Government’s DAP has the potential to significantly impact the outdoor education sector by promoting accessibility, inclusivity, and equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities. By embracing the principles outlined in the action plan and collaborating with disabled people and other stakeholders, outdoor education providers can create more inclusive experiences that will enrich the lives of all participants.
