QMU and Scottish Disability Sport demand action on inclusive sport
Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) joined forces with Queen Margaret University (QMU) to call on Members of the Scottish Parliament to take urgent action in breaking down barriers faced by people with a disability in accessing sport and physical activity. The Call to Action photocall, held at the Scottish Parliament on 20th November, highlighted the pressing need for systemic change to create a fully inclusive Scotland.
The event follows the publication of a new national survey conducted by SDS in partnership with QMU’s Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research (CHEARR). The findings reveal stark inequalities: 40% of respondents with a disability expressed concern that being seen as physically active could jeopardise their benefits.
Academic insight from Queen Margaret University
Professor Marietta van der Linden, Co-director of Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research (CHEARR) at Queen Margaret University, who contributed to the research together with QMU colleagues Dr Lane and Dr Jagadamma, emphasised the importance of evidence-led action.
Our survey findings show that people with a disability in Scotland face multiple barriers to participation, from financial worries to inaccessible public transport. At Queen Margaret University, we are committed to working with partners like SDS to ensure that research informs policy and practice, so that every individual has the opportunity to be active, without fear of negative consequences.
Our survey findings show that people with a disability in Scotland face multiple barriers to participation, from financial worries to inaccessible public transport. At Queen Margaret University, we are committed to working with partners like SDS to ensure that research informs policy and practice, so that every individual has the opportunity to be active, without fear of negative consequences.
First Minister John Swinney reinforced the importance of participation: “It’s absolutely vital that we encourage more to participate in sport and there are so many ways in which we can make that possible.”
Athletes including Paris 2024 Paralympic gold medallist Stephen McGuire (boccia), Great Britain wheelchair rugby player Gemma Lumsdaine, and multi-Para athlete Samantha Gough attended the photocall to share their lived experiences. Lumsdaine, also Sported’s EDI Lead, said: “It’s really important that MSPs hear first-hand from people with lived experience. This brings the need to life and helps individuals understand how they can make impactful change at Government level.”
Minister for Sport Maree Todd MSP pledged her support: “I’m supporting the Scottish Disability Sport Call to Action because I believe in the power of sport to change lives, and I want absolutely everyone in Scotland to be able to experience that.”
Lothian MSP Jeremy Balfour, who helped arrange the photocall, added: “Sport is for everybody and we should get rid of all barriers to allow everybody to participate, to watch, to enjoy sport.”
The Four-Point Call to Action
SDS’s Call to Action sets out the steps needed to achieve inclusion:
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Plan to Include – Reduce inequalities through inclusive strategy, policy, and proportionate funding; invest in systemic change to remove barriers to travel, facilities, and spaces.
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Deliver an Inclusive Whole System Approach – Guarantee access to quality inclusive physical activity, education, and sport; embed physical activity into health and social care pathways.
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Provide Safeguards – Ensure benefits and financial assistance are not negatively impacted by participation; enable Self-Directed Support budgets to be used for sport and activity.
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Champion Intersectionality – Collaborate across sectors to ensure the needs of disabled people with intersecting identities are met through co-design with lived experience.
SDS CEO Gavin Macleod concluded: “Sport and physical activity is something most people take for granted, yet a quarter of the population face barriers to accessing it. This Call to Action provides a clear framework for organisations across Scotland to lead on inclusive practice.”
Join the conversation
Get involved and advocate for inclusion in Scotland by joining the conversation throughout Scottish Disability Sport Week (SDSW), next week (Monday 24th to Sunday 30th November).
SDSW is a Nationwide celebration of getting active and involved in disability sport in Scotland. The campaign aims to highlight and promote the opportunities and the impact physical activity can have on individuals, communities, clubs and society.
The week-long campaign aims to encourage people with disabilities to improve their wellbeing by being more physically active, in a way that suits them and it concludes just a few days ahead of the United Nations’ International Day of Persons with a Disability on the Wednesday 3rd December.
More information can be found on the SDS website, including how you can participate in the conversation, and via the Briefing Paper.
Notes To Editors
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The SDS national survey was conducted in partnership with Queen Margaret University Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research (CHEARR) and gathered responses from 335 individuals across Scotland.
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More information about the national survey can be found at: www.scottishdisabilitysport.com
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Key Findings of the National Survey can be found at: https://scottishdisabilitysport.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/SDS-National-Survey-Findings-CEO-Circulation.pdf
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Video highlights from the photocall can be viewed here: Scottish Disability Sport Call to Action Photocall. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOEZ0K35uPc
For more media information on the Call to Action campaign, contact Emma Logan, E: Emma.logan@scottishdisabilitysport.com T: 0131 317 1130. For any comment from Professor Marietta Van Der Linden at Queen Margaret University contact Lynne Russell, Communications Manager, Queen Margaret University, E: lrussell@qmu.ac.uk (copy to pressoffice@qmu.ac.uk), M: 07711 011239.
