Creating Accessible and Inclusive Sports Facilities

Sport England have released a guide to help put users at the heart of the facility design process and better meet the needs of our diverse communities.

According to the latest Activity Alliance Annual Disability and Activity Survey, only 43% of disabled people feel they have the chance to be as active as they desire. 

We know that being active is good for your physical and mental health and everyone deserves to feel those benefits! Creating spaces that cater to everyone’s needs, means we’re one step closer to happier and healthier communities. 

The Accessible and Inclusive Sports Facilities (AISF) guide aims to increase people’s awareness and use of inclusive design so that physical activity spaces are safe, welcoming and accessible to all. It puts people at the heart of the design process. 

The guide is available as a series of accessible documents including essential reading and aspects of design such as: 

• External areas (including parking, landscaping and safety considerations) 
• Internal areas (including reception, communication and social spaces) 
• Changing and toilet provision (including design, components details and example settings) 
• Wayfinding and signage  
• Emergency evacuation 
• Consultation and engagement (including identifying stakeholders, methods of engagement and key considerations) 
• Operation and management (including mitigating potential barriers, stakeholder engagement and day-to-day management) 

As well as creating more welcoming and accessible spaces it helps venues and facilities make sure they fulfil their obligations under the Equality Act (2010).

To download the guide, visit the Sport England website. 

If you’re interested in doing more to make your space more inclusive and accessible, why not join our county-wide Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) group?

Created as part of Energise Me’s Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan, the group currently has 22 members and brings together individuals from different organisations to have open discussions, share learning and participate in training to further their understanding of EDI. 

If you’re interested in joining this group, please contact our Workforce Manager.