Supporting me to be active: The role of supporters in influencing disabled people to be active

This is a two stage research piece that gathers information and opinions from 'supporters', family friends and paid professionals, of disabled people. Through using both qualitative interviews and quantitative online surveys, the influence and importance of the supporter was found to be of great importance. In the research piece, this is broken down into seven sections. The first section discusses the four main factors that affect the level of influence a supporter has; their own level of sport engagement, assumption of ability, the relationship dynamic between the disabled person and understanding the motivations of the disabled person. Further sections go on to discuss emotional and practical support as well as understanding the mental, physical and social benefits of exercise for disabled people. Supporters must understand the physical and emotional barriers disabled people face and how they can consider the environment, facilities, safety and target audience of the activity to reduce these barriers. Lastly the communication and availability of information surrounding activities is considered.