Leisure centre initiative supports those with non-visible disabilities
A leisure centre in St Albans has launched an initiative to support people who have non-visible disabilities.
Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre, run by Everyone Active on behalf of the local council, has signed up to the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Network to provide inclusive participation.
The Sunflower allows people to voluntarily share that they have a disability or condition that may not be immediately identified, which is indicated by a Sunflower lanyard.
This will inform Everyone Active staff that they may need additional support at the leisure centre or a little more time. Staff will have access to training to assist them to feel more confident supporting people with non-visible disabilities.
Globally, one in seven people have a disability, around 1.3 bn people worldwide, and of those up to 80% can be described as a non-visible impairment or condition.
Everyone Active’s national inclusion and wellbeing manager, Jules Twells, said: “Inclusivity is one of the Everyone Active core values, so we’re delighted to become members of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, who are helping break down barriers in physical activity and making a real difference to support people with disabilities that will often not be acknowledged.”
