Activities for young people with disabilities

Taking part in activities is important for all young people. But evidence shows activities are very important for young people with disabilities or difficulties. 

Activities grow your social group, build skills and confidence, and are fun.

Go for it!

Young people with disabilities have the same concerns as anyone about activities:

• What is there for me to do?
• How can I find something I'll enjoy?
• Will I like the people there?

There are lots of activities for young people in Oxfordshire. Most people try several before they find the right one. 

Crucial: Schemes like Short breaks for disabled children, Early Years Inclusion Support Scheme, Enabler Support Scheme and the Max Card all support children with disabilities in Oxfordshire to attend activities.

What YOU enjoy

It can take time to find an activity you enjoy. You may also find that the activities you like change over time. 

Most people go through times of concentrating more on activities and more on other things, like learning.

Good to know: Places to find activities include school, church, community centres, on noticeboards and Activities Oxfordshire. 

Inclusive activities 

Many groups, clubs and activities can include young people with disabilities through providing extra support, equipment or other things you might need to have an enjoyable and interesting experience. Ask the group or organisation about support.

There are also groups especially for young people with disabilities. Many clubs and groups for young disabled people also welcome their friends, as well as carers and family. They are often called ‘inclusive’ because they include people of different abilities.  

Your SEND Local Offer includes information about groups for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disability.

Crucial: All children and their parents contact the group, club or activity before they start to attend. This is the time to discuss anything you might need to take part and have the best experience.

Search for activities

You can search for activities on Activities Oxfordshire or on the Disabilities Channel of the Family Information Service.

You can search for particular things (such as activities for people with autism) or you can do more general searches, using phrases such as activities for disabled people, inclusive, disabilities.

You can also search for things you are interested in, and then check the record to see if they inclusive or accessible for young people with disabilities. 

Crucial: Parents of children with special educational needs can get help from SENDIASS who can provide information and put them in touch with more help and support.

Keep looking for new fun activities

If you can't find the activity you want locally, you may be able to find it from national services, or from one of our neighbouring counties.

• Warwickshire Family Information Service
• West Northamptonshire Council
• Buckinghamshire Family Information Service
• West Berkshire Council
• Gloucestershire Families Directory

You can also try a national service like Scope Disability Information or a local service like SENDIASS.  

Your local offer belongs to you!

The Local Offer explains support available to children and young people with special educational needs and disability, and to their families. We hope you found this page helpful. If you would like anything changed, updated or added, please use this online form.