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Children – Hobbies, Clubs & Sports

Children – Hobbies, Clubs & Sports

Last updated: April 2024

The tabs below cover a wide range of hobbies, clubs and sports with contact details for the national organisations that offer access to them for disabled children.

Many local activities and groups will be keen to include your child. That might be school clubs, Brownies, Scouts, church and other youth groups. If access is a problem, talk to the organisers. With a little creativity most barriers can be overcome. SMA UK is always willing to talk through options and write supporting letters.

Local Authorities (LAs) also have a legal duty to provide services for disabled children under ‘The Local Offer’. Each LA lists the services that are available in their region. You can find out more about your Local Offer –  Contact your LA.

In "Unleashing the Potential of Sport" Cath, Luis and Jack share their personal stories and discuss the many ways in which sport can help us achieve our goals, overcome obstacles, and live our best lives:

Recorded: February 2023
November 2023: A member of our Families’ WhatsApp Group recommended looking at the Everybodymoves.org.uk website. This is a fresh campaign to connect disabled people with more opportunities to get active than ever before. You can register to see what’s on.

Boccia (pronounced bot-cha) is a Paralympic indoor sport similar to bowls with no Olympic equivalent.  It is a target ball sport which tests both muscle control and accuracy.  From a seated position (and therefore ideal for wheelchair users) players propel balls to land close to a white marker ball – the jack. If you are unable to grasp and propel a ball you can use a ramp.

For more information about where you can play see Boccia England.

Paddle-Ability Providers has details of clubs and providers throughout the UK that offer dedicated support for disabled paddlers.  Enter your postcode on their website and the distance you are willing to  travel to see what could be on offer for your child.

You could also approach any clubs near you to see what they can offer.

With a CEA Card (Cinema Exhibitors’ Association Card). anyone age 8 years and over who receives Disability Living Allowance (DLA), can get one free ticket for a person accompanying them. This works nationally. The card currently costs £6 a year.

Phab England and Wales charity creatse opportunities for disabled people to enjoy the same activities and challenges as, and alongside those who are not disabled. They offer clubs for disabled children ages 8 and up.

Whizz-Kidz offer a range of Activity Programmes each year for wheelchair users aged 8-25 years. They have a core theme such as sport and wellbeing, the environment, digital skills, creativity and adventure.

If your child wants to use a computer for playing games, they may need some adaptations to be able to use one independently. Many children find that touch screen tablets work well as they are small, light, sensitive and easy to manage. A ‘light touch’ mouse may also be worth trying.

See also: Assistive Technology on this page.

There are many fun and educational apps, for example doodle and drawing apps, and flashcards:

These charities can provide information and advice about specialist computers and gaming equipment:

  • AbilityNet – advice and training on computer technology for disabled people
  • Everyone Can –  information and support on all aspects of computing for disabled people
  • Special Effect – adapted gaming controls

Online safety NSPCC Website – keeping children safe online

Wheels for All – a nationally recognised programme for disabled children and adults and those with differing needs. There are 50 centres equipped with specially adapted cycles and trained leaders. Families are welcome to be involved.

Para Dance UK – a charity and the national governing body for Para Dance Sport in the UK.

For £10 a year you can join any of Para Dance’s fully inclusive online dance sessions. These include a Primary Age After School Club on Wednesdays from 4.15 – 4.45 pm.  You can be seated or standing. Just make sure you are in a safe space, water to hand.

British Disabled Angling Association –  for information on accessible fishing.

Freedom in the Air – organises regular flying days for young people.

Grassroots Disability Football – for information about footballing opportunities for disabled people.

Level Playing Field – offers support, information and advice on a range of topics around access for disabled spectators This is offered to spectators, Clubs, Disabled Supporter Association’s, NGOs and others.

Wheelchair Football Association (WFA) – the governing body for Powerchair Football in England provides information on Powerchair Football and how to get involved.

The WFA say: ‘"in theory children can join powerchair football clubs at any age. From our perspective players could begin to take part in simple unopposed activity from 4 – 5 years old as long as appropriate safeguards and health and safety measures were in place."

Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) – uses horse riding and pony riding to provide therapy and fun all over the UK.

Sailability – the Royal Yatching Association’s national programme, enabling disabled people to try sailing and take part regularly. Sailing is open to anyone, no matter what age or disability. The network of approved Sailability sites have boats and facilities to cater for everyone.

Disability Snowsport UK – a disability ski and snowboard charity providing information.

Ski2Freedom – help people to find: the most suitable adaptive or assisted ski lesson; guide or sit-ski equipment; ideal ski resort and most appropriate place to stay.

To find out about getting your child involved, contact one of the following:

Disability Sport Northern Ireland  – runs a range of events, participation programmes, training courses and services.

Disability Sport Wales – has details of disability sport coaches throughout Wales and a community database where you can search for your nearest club by sport and disability.

Activity Alliance – provides inclusion training for sports coaches, information on finding the right sport, clubs and examples of good practice.

Scottish Disability Sport – promotes the development of sport in Scotland for people of all ages and abilities with a physical, sensory or learning disability. It also has links to disability sailing in Scotland.

WheelPower – organises fun, introductory and competitive events for disabled children and adults. They list sports and where you can find your nearest centre to play them. They also run a number of events, including youth sport camps for age 5 years upwards.

Access Sport – trains, equips and supports community sports clubs, organisations and volunteers to provide inclusive programmes.

Lawn Tennis Association – for information on accessible tennis.

British Disabled Waterski and Wakeboard Association – offers ‘trying out’ activities with family and friends for all ages.

British Canoeing – for information on how people of all abilities can get involved.

Sailability – part of the Royal Yachting Association. Enables people of all abilities to participate in sailing.