Overcoming barriers to children with disabilities participating in sport

This Scottish Disability Sport Week, we’re proud to stand with our partners, Scottish Disability Sport, to encourage everyone in sport to play their part in overcoming barriers.

Every child has the right to feel safe, included and heard and that includes the chance to play, compete and enjoy sport.

Yet families tell us the obstacles they face if their child has disabilities aren’t only physical or cultural. For those living in poverty, there’s an extra, often invisible layer of inequality that makes participation even harder.

Families of children with disabilities are more likely to experience financial pressure because of the need for specialist equipment, adapted kit and the challenge of travelling to suitable venues and facilities. They may also need additional support and this can make participation harder.

We know that these additional challenges affect children’s opportunities, confidence and sense of belonging.

That’s why at Children First a lot of our work in our Child Protection Wellbeing and Sport team aims to focus on helping governing bodies, clubs and sports organisations to understand and respond to the different challenges families face.

At Children First we believe by strengthening safeguarding culture, working alongside children and listening to them, we can create spaces where every child feels welcome and able to take part in and enjoy sport.

There are many small but meaningful steps that can help overcome these barriers:

·       Listening to children’s voices about what helps them feel safe, included, and confident.

• Reducing hidden costs where possible, or signposting families to support. Children First’s support line can help.
• Creating welcoming, rights-informed environments.
• Being flexible and curious, adapting roles, routines or expectations to meet each child’s needs.
• Building strong relationships with families, by recognising the pressures they may be navigating.

 Creating a safeguarding culture where children feel they truly belong is not a ‘nice to have’ – it’s essential. When children’s rights, needs and voices are at the centre of decisions, sport becomes a place where all children can thrive.

This week more than ever, we value the leadership shown by Scottish Disability Sport and their commitment to breaking down inequalities. Their work is vital and we’re glad to stand alongside them in advocating safe, inclusive, and dignifying environments for every child.

If you have concerns about a child or an adult’s behaviour in sport, or for further information, contact Children First by calling  0141 419 1156 or by email at cwps@childrenfirst.org.uk.