Physical activity is essential for everyone’s health and well-being, yet people with disabilities often face systemic barriers that restrict their opportunities to lead active lifestyles. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1.3 billion people—16% of the global population—live with some form of disability. These barriers, created by a lack of inclusive infrastructure, policies, and programs, contribute to higher rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, which are already more common among people with disabilities. Addressing these challenges is not just a health imperative but a matter of equity and inclusion.
The Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018–2030 (GAPPA) highlights the importance of creating inclusive opportunities for everyone to be physically active. It outlines four key policy objectives: Active People, Active Environments, Active Societies, and Active Systems, with the goal of reducing global physical inactivity by 15% by 2030. To ensure people with disabilities can fully participate, these efforts must prioritize accessibility and inclusion in urban planning, policy design, and physical activity programs.
Creating Pathways Through Active People
At the heart of GAPPA’s vision is the principle of leaving no one behind. By strengthening physical education in schools, integrating physical activity into healthcare, and designing programs that meet diverse needs, the Active People objective creates pathways for people with disabilities to stay active. Inclusive programs like wheelchair basketball or seated yoga provide adaptive solutions that promote movement, social connection, and mental well-being.
Breaking Barriers Through Active Environments
People with disabilities face multiple barriers to physical activity, including inaccessible built environments, a lack of inclusive programs, and societal attitudes that overlook their needs. GAPPA’s focus on Active Environments addresses these challenges by promoting accessible infrastructure, such as wheelchair-friendly parks, cycle paths, and sports facilities. Initiatives like adaptive sports programs and inclusive urban design can transform barriers into opportunities, fostering a culture where everyone, regardless of ability, can move and thrive.
Shifting Attitudes and Building Active Societies
Cultural perceptions and social norms play a crucial role in shaping opportunities for physical activity. The Active Societies objective focuses on raising awareness, shifting attitudes, and fostering a culture where everyone, including people with disabilities, is encouraged to stay active. Public campaigns, community-led initiatives, and representation in sports media can help challenge misconceptions and promote inclusivity.
Strengthening Active Systems for Inclusive Change
To sustain long-term progress, physical activity must be embedded within policies, governance, and cross-sector collaboration. The Active Systems objective emphasizes integrating inclusive practices across education, healthcare, urban planning, and recreation. This includes training professionals—such as teachers, coaches, and urban planners—on accessibility and adaptive sports, as well as ensuring funding mechanisms support inclusive programming. Strengthening these systems ensures that physical activity opportunities for people with disabilities are not isolated initiatives but part of a lasting, structural shift toward inclusion.
CityMove’s Commitment
CityMove is committed to supporting initiatives that align with GAPPA’s goals while addressing the unique needs of people with disabilities. Through research in six cities, CityMove evaluates 13 actions across urban planning, health, and community engagement to identify scalable solutions that promote physical activity for all.
The right to physical activity is deeply connected to health, equity, and well-being. By embedding inclusion into policies and urban actions, we can build societies where people with disabilities are empowered to lead active lives.
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