The minister encouraged local organizations to look into methods to make themselves more accessible to the disabled community during a two-day trip to North West Wales with Ynys Môn MP Virginia Crosbie after visiting inclusive sports clubs in Anglesey.
The minister visited Anglesey Group of Ynys Mon Riding For The Disabled, where she met one of their blind dressage riders, and participated in a training session with the Anglesey Hawks Wheelchair Basketball Club in Holyhead.
According to statistics, there are now 1.3 million more disabled people working than there were in 2017.
Government programs like Access to Work and Disability Confident are helping firms throughout the UK build more inclusive and diverse workforces.
The minister discussed how engaging persons with impairments in job and leisure activities benefits the larger community with the organizations she met.
Chloe Smith, an MP and minister for disabled people, health, and employment, said:
Whether large or small, all Welsh sporting organizations and clubs should strive to be more inclusive of everyone in their larger community since disabled persons deserve the same opportunities as everyone else.
It was amazing to see how the Anglesey Hawks and Anglesey Riding Center are harnessing the power of sport and physical exercise while excluding no one. Both organizations are wonderful examples of inclusive organizations.
It is crucial that everyone has access to exercise because it can drastically improve both your physical and emotional health.
The MP for Virginia Crosbie said:
I’m thrilled that the minister could stop by these two top-notch Ynys Môn sports organizations.
No of their age, skill level, or disability, it is crucial that our communities be active and that everyone has access to them.
Being active promotes overall health, averts a number of diseases, and keeps people in shape.
These two organizations serve as models for inclusive sports on the island, and I appreciate them letting the minister and I come and get to know the staff and participants.
Established in 2014, the Anglesey Hawks Wheelchair Basketball Club practices once a week at Holyhead Leisure Centre. Players of all ages, abilities, and disabilities participate in the club’s games on an equal basis.
With some current members playing for Wheelchair Basketball North Wales and some having represented Wales, the club also encourages athletes who aim to compete at the national level.
Charlie MacPherson, head coach of the Anglesey Hawks, said:
We were thrilled to have the Minister for Disabled People visit our club, get to know a few of our players, and participate in a sport that genuinely transforms lives.
In October, the Anglesey chapter of Ynys Mon Riding for the Disabled will officially turn 50. For kids and adults with physical and academic disabilities, the organization offers therapeutic and educational possibilities.
Additionally, it assists a lot of riders who want to compete, and one of their riders recently represented Wales at the British Dressage Para Home International.
Chair of the Ynys Môn RDA (Anglesey) Group Sara Jones-Williams stated:
I am motivated by the riders, volunteers, and locals who help the Ynys Môn RDA (Anglesey) Organization realize the RDA UK tagline, “It’s what you can do that counts.” I have volunteered with the group for my entire life.
Many of the riders we support have benefited from receiving physical, social, and life skills training while participating in the larger community. These riders have also achieved some outstanding outcomes in their competitive objectives. Each rider has a trip, and both their journey and the group’s voyage are equally vital.
The minister spent two days in Wales and paid a visit to Tyddyn Môn in Brynrefail.
The organization serves 50 folks on Anglesey with learning disabilities and employs 60 locals. 24 of these individuals are given care and support around-the-clock in seven supported living facilities located throughout Anglesey.
Another group participates in the Tyddyn Môn farm day and job chances program, where the nonprofit offers wellbeing activities as well as work-based training and work experience through a number of social enterprises.
The minister stopped by the charity’s music group’s practice as well as separate cookery and pottery classes while she was there.
Tyddyn Môn CEO Dr. Michelle Freeman said:
Chloe Smith, MP, Minister for Disabled People, Health, and Work, was warmly welcomed to the charity farm.
The beneficiaries of the charity took pleasure in demonstrating the good job that their social enterprises on the farm and in the neighborhood are doing.