The complexities of implementing inclusion policies for disabled people in UK non-disabled voluntary community sports clubs

Abstract

Research question: Adopting a qualitative case study design, this article draws upon the concept of ableism to analyse the extent to which mainstreaming policy in the UK leads to inclusive sport practice at the community level. Research methods: In-depth qualitative data were collected from 31 semi-structured interviews with stakeholders in the inclusion process in England including sports organisations, officials in community sports clubs and disabled people. Data were thematically analysed to explore how stakeholders understood inclusion and what the role of ableism might be in formulating this understanding. Results and findings: The findings illustrate that ableism appears to play a key role in the understanding of inclusion and how it is operationalised in different clubs and sports organisations. This in turn impacts whether disabled people feel able to participate within that environment. The research identified three outcomes of inclusion (parallel inclusion, full inclusion and choice) and four approaches used or necessary to achieve the three outcomes by stakeholders (able-inclusion, barrier removal, creating opportunities and mutual identity). Implications: This article identifies that, irrespective of policy intent, the way inclusion policy is understood by those that have to operationalise it is often underpinned by an ableist view of disability, meaning that the desired increases in participation may not materialise. Based on the findings, it is suggested that sport organisations should strategically embed disability provision and should actively rather than passively engage with disabled people.