On The Move Impact
“On The Move” ran from 2019 to 2023 and focused on supporting young disabled adults as they transitioned from education to adult life. The project addressed the significant decline in sporting activity levels observed among young disabled adults. This project was delivered in 2 parts.
On The Move was designed to assist providers to deliver increased levels of accessible activities on their premises. By doing so, the project encouraged and enabled young disabled adults to engage in more sports and physical activities.
On The Move Outdoors created a series of accessible walks reviewed by the DRAGONs (Disability Real Action Group of Norfolk).
2019-2023 Project Data Insights
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Participants were supported through in-person or online sessions
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Locations delivered activities across the county
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Leisure facilities, sports clubs, green spaces and walks were reviewed on their accessibility and access
The project has facilitated increased enjoyment, enhanced opportunities for customers and fostered a more inclusive environment within leisure facilities as well as green spaces across Norfolk.
This project has effectively supported young disabled adults in their transition to adult life by promoting physical activity and improving their overall wellbeing and quality of life.
The most commonly reported barriers identified by carers and center staff were as follows:
- Lack of equipment
- Limited suitable space
- Lack of interest or motivation from clients
- Limited funding for activities
- Limited staff capacity
- Challenges adapting activities for the needs of clients
Suggestions to Address the Challenges: Carers and center staff provided the following suggestions to address the identified challenges:
- Outside centers offering more inclusive activities
- Securing more funding or lowering costs to facilitate participation
- Creating a more welcoming atmosphere in outside centers
- Increasing transportation options for individuals with varying needs
- Improving accessibility of facilities for inclusive participation
- Providing a greater variety of equipment for different abilities
- Employing additional staff members to ensure adequate support
- Enhancing staff training on supporting inclusive physical activity
Barriers to attending physical activity outside the center: Carers and center staff identified several barriers faced by individuals when attending physical activity sessions outside the center, including:
- Lack of staff support upon arrival
- Inadequate number of staff members to support individuals with various needs
- Expensive nature of outside sessions
- Difficulties in acquiring and affording transportation to accommodate individuals with varying needs
- Facilities not being inclusively accessible
- Personal barriers, such as lack of motivation and physical limitations, including mobility
- Limited inclusive physical activity options available locally
- Lack of equipment
- Insufficient facilitation from staff members
- Variable weather conditions
- Challenging customer behavior
Carers and centre staff made the following suggestions to address the identified barriers:
- Provision of more equipment and new options for physical activity
- Increased staff support and capacity to encourage and engage customers in more physical activity
- More staff assistance during activities
- Staff training regarding supporting inclusive physical activity
- Improvement of facilities’ accessibility for physical activity
Staff and carers felt that the greatest impact on individuals has been their increase in physical activity. One centre staff member stated, “People are enthusiastic about doing more activities that get them moving” and another member explained, “A lot of customers now join in activities that the hub is continuing, and they are asking about different activities.”
They also felt that customers really enjoy the session and engage with each other more. One carer reported that “They all got involved in the activities together which was amazing to see” and another states, “Their social skills have improved as the different activities brought fantastic team spirit.”
They also feel it gives customers more opportunities to try something new, increase their self-esteem, and learn about the benefits of being healthy.
Carers and centre staff members reported the greatest impact on themselves as being the new ideas the sessions have given them. They were surprised by how
much customers can and want to participate. One centre staff member reported that “it has allowed us to step back and take part and be shown some new ideas and approaches. It is really easy to settle into a familiar routine and do the same exercises. This has been refreshing.” Another member stated that “It helps us understand what kind of activity each member can do and like and what each member is capable of!”
Staff members all reported that they enjoy the increased opportunities to interact with customers and they have learned new ways to motivate customers and create more varied opportunities for them.
The On The Move project has had a positive impact on day care providers in terms of addressing barriers to offering and participating in physical activity. The project has facilitated increased enjoyment, enhanced opportunities for customers to be active and social, and fostered a more inclusive environment within day centres.
The suggestions provided by carers and centre staff, such as acquiring more equipment, increasing staff support, and improving accessibility, can further contribute to sustaining these positive outcomes. The commitment of all day centers to continue the On The Move style sessions demonstrates the value and success of the project. Overall, the On The Move project has effectively supported young disabled adults in their transition to adult life by promoting physical activity and improving their overall well-being and quality of life.
"Looking forward, we're really hoping we can involve the DRAGONs in all of our facility plans... and get their input from the very start of the project so that we get that right, and it's built for purpose."
"I think working with the DRAGONs is very fun, and also helpful."
"I learnt the importance of using my voice to share my opinions and ask for help if I need"
