New research shows almost half of disabled people fear losing benefits if they take part in exercise and are seen to be physically active, according to new research published by Activity Alliance. The research is particularly important as disabled people count for one in five of Britain’s population, almost 14 million people. However, they are currently the least active group in society, and twice as likely as non-disabled people to be inactive.
The study, entitled ‘The Activity Trap: Disabled people’s fear of being active’, shows that four in five disabled people would like to be more active . Respondents’ reasons include that it enables them to manage impairments and pain, and helps them to maintain and improve physical and mental health. Almost two thirds of disabled people who participated in the study said they rely on benefits to be active. Without this financial support, they would not be able to afford travel, paid-for exercise and the specialist equipment needed to be active.
However, almost half of those who responded fear being seen as “too independent” for a disabled person. This could see them lose access to the benefits they need such as the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and the Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
Some participants in the study told Activity Alliance that they live in fear of having their benefits taken away and worry about being reassessed, even if their reassessment date is years away.
You can view the full press release then download a copy of the report here .
