English Federation of Disability Sport release new film aimed at increasing participation

The English Federation of Disability Sport have released a new film to teach viewers useful communication practices and principles ©EFDS

A new film has been released by the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) to complement the charity’s Inclusive Communications Guide, which has the ultimate aim of getting more disabled people involved with sport.

Following its launch in 2014 the EFDS Guide, written in partnership with Big Voice Communications and Sport England, has become a key resource in sport and physical activity having been downloaded on 1,900 occasions.

It was also highly commended at the Excellence in Diversity Awards.

The creation of the guide followed research undertaken by EDFS in 2012 which highlighted communication as something which could enhance experiences or restrict disabled people from being active.

EFDS, a national charity dedicated to disabled people in sport and physical activity, hope the film will provide people with more information, enabling them to access sporting opportunities.

"Many people, including disabled people, continually miss out in sporting communications, sometimes for reasons that would require small changes to the campaigns,” said Sarah Marl, marketing and communications manager for EFDS.

“It is fantastic to see how enthusiastic organisations are to make changes in their own communications plans.

“The new film explains some of the key principles in a creative way that can significantly help providers to reach more people.

“The film does not replace the in-depth Guide, but it allows more people to access information in a convenient way and we are looking forward to supporting more organisations to make sure disabled people can be active for life."

Created in partnership with Tinmouse Animation Studio, the six minute film explores issues like language, accessibility and alternative formats, outlining a range of principles which providers can employ to improve their own work.

“There are lots of people working hard to make sport accessible to everyone, but they can struggle to get the message across that their activity is open to all,” said Tanya Joseph, Sport England’s director of business partnerships.

“EFDS’s new film shows the tools and tactics sports providers can use to let more people know about the inclusive activities they offer, and crucially make it clear that their activity offers a welcome environment for everyone.”

The Inclusive Communications Guide can be accessed at EFDS_Inclusive_comms_guide_accessible_PDF_APRIL_2014_FINAL.pdf