OTTAWA, ON –
The Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute (CFLRI) and Active Abilities Canada are proud to announce the release of Access, Participation, and Opportunity: A National Status Report on Physical Activity and Sport for Persons with Disabilities.
The report provides one of the most comprehensive national snapshots to date of how persons with disabilities participate in sport and physical activity across Canada. Drawing on data from two large national surveys, it explores participation patterns, experiences, and perceptions of accessibility, affordability, safety, and inclusion.
The findings show that while participation in sport and physical activity contributes to improved health, well-being, and social connection, persons with disabilities continue to participate at lower rates than those without disabilities and face ongoing barriers to meaningful involvement.
With more than one in four Canadians reporting a disability, the report establishes an important evidence base to support governments, community organizations, researchers, and sector leaders in creating more accessible and inclusive opportunities for participation.
“This report helps fill a longstanding gap in our understanding of participation among persons with disabilities in Canada,” said Mike Arthur, Chair of Active Abilities Canada. “By providing a clearer picture of current experiences and barriers, we can better work together to build a physical activity, recreation and sport system that is inclusive for everyone.”
Access, Participation, and Opportunity is the first in a broader series of reports that will explore the environmental, social, health, and economic factors influencing participation and help inform future action across the sector.
The full report is available here.
Media Contact: Dr. Christine Cameron, CFLRI. Contact.us.cflri@cflri.ca
