Youth Research 

Active Disability Ireland are delighted to share our Youth Research Report.

Research has highlighted that people with a disability in Ireland are far less likely to be active than those without a disability with a difference of 28% vs 48% taking part (ISM, 2022). This difference is also apparent within younger demographics with the CSPPA (2022) study showing a substantial difference for children and youths with a disability. The study reported that children with disabilities are less likely to meet physical activity guidelines and engage in community-based physical activity than those without a disability.

It is imperative that we reduce this gradient in participation and ensure that there are no inequalities present across populations. Understanding the experience of young people with disabilities will enable Active Disability Ireland and the wider sector to provide more choice, and participation opportunities for children with disabilities.

In 2022 Active Disability Ireland completed an in-depth consultation process with people with disabilities in Ireland to explore their lived experience and examine barriers to activity as well as how they can be better supported to be active. The consultation was successful and elicited over 200 survey responses as well as 9 interviews, however, the consultation was only targeting the adult population and not
children and youths. In order to better understand the living experience of young people with disabilities, the research is set forth to address the following research questions:

• What are the factors which influence engagement in physical activity for young people with disabilities?
• What are the most prevalent barriers to activity which young people with disabilities experience?
• How can these barriers be alleviated to ensure more young people with disabilities engage in activity?
• What can Active Disability Ireland and other agencies do to ensure more young people with disabilities are engaged?

To read the full report please click here: Youth Research Report 2024 

Contact Robert Purcell, Active Disability Irleand Insights Officer for further information. Email: rpurcell@activedisability.ie

A video animation of the research findings is available below. This video has no audio description, just music playing in the background.