London Sport and Disability Sports Coach announce new training partnership

Disability Equality Training to improve access to sport services for disabled people.

London Sport and Disability Sports Coach have partnered to deliver disability equality training courses that aim to ensure disabled people have improved experiences when accessing sport services and facilities in London.

Disability Sports Coach will act as the expert delivery partner in a course devised by London Sport, to improve the knowledge and confidence of sport, tourism and leisure professionals.

The tailored, bespoke course improves individuals’ knowledge and understanding of barriers that deaf and disabled people may face in a sports facility, reasons why it is important and beneficial to make services inclusive, and how organisations can effectively engage with deaf and disabled people.

The training is applicable for any organisation that provides services in sport, leisure and tourism.

Louis Wickett-Padgham, Disability Sports Coach’s Business Development Manager said: 

“Workforce development and upskilling London’s understanding and confidence of disabled people’s needs is a huge part of Disability Sports Coach’s strategic priorities. 

“Disability Sports Coach is very excited to be working in partnership with London Sport, to ensure more organisations are able to provide great services for all.”

London Sport’s Specialist Advisor for Disability, Alex Gibbons said: 

“I am delighted that Disability Sports Coach is delivering our Disability Equality Training course. 

“As a trusted partner for many years – and recent recipients of our Workforce Award at this year’s London Sport Awards – they have the passion and experience to provide London’s physical activity and sport workforce with the knowledge and confidence to better engage deaf and disabled people.

“I encourage anyone delivering opportunities for deaf and disabled people to do this course, and to work with us to create An Active Inclusive Capital.”

Lord's Cricket Ground train 60 employees to improve disabled fan’s experience

Lord's Cricket Ground were the first to benefit from the new partnership, training 60 staff members through six Disability Equality Training courses, across three days in May 2019.

Employees ranged from all departments including security, sales and customer services, corporate hospitality and facility maintenance ensuring that Middlesex, England and away disabled fans alike, have a positive, inclusive experience across the ground.

Russ Seymour, Lord’s Cricket Ground Sustainability Manager, said: 

“It is central to our business and our approach that we improve our staff’s understanding of our visitors access needs ahead of our busy summer of cricket.

“This course was perfect for raising awareness and helping with long-term planning, as we remain committed to providing the right facilities and services for disabled people at Lord’s Cricket Ground.”