Summer, an Associate on the Listen Up! team, has successfully campaigned at her local gym to improve their accessibility offer.

After a disappointing visit to her local gym that was advertised as 'inclusive', she wrote to the manager to speak out on her recent experience there. She is passionate about making sure people with learning disabilities, autism and sight loss can get equal access to gyms to stay fit and healthy.

Summer says:

“I wanted to reach out as a person with lived experience, as I was confused with the initial information available about pricing and concessions. I also shared my concerns around the lack of space in the gym for getting around using wheelchairs and walking aids."

“There was a lack of appropriate and inclusive equipment too. I expected the equipment that I would normally use elsewhere, but it was not available in this gym.”

Summer immediately received a positive response from the manager of the gym who took on board her recommendations and admitted further training was needed for his colleagues to enhance their knowledge accessibility for people with disabilities. He was disappointed to discover the experience that she’d had, as the gym worked hard to be inclusive for everyone within the community. The gym team wanted to demonstrate to Summer what they had already achieved for and within the community, and suggested a walkthrough at the gym.

With huge thanks to the manager and his team at the gym, Summer is now arranging to visit the gym for a walkthrough. She’ll continue to keep an open dialogue with the gym about its accessibility and inclusivity, so it can be a more welcoming place for people with disabilities in the local community.

Summer’s passion and tenacity have won through. A discussion has opened up, and her voice has been heard. She is a powerful advocate, not only for herself, the Listen Up! team and SeeAbility, but for all people with a learning disability, autism and sight loss.

Our Listen Up! team is made up of Associates with lived experience of disabilities who we support to build confidence, open up opportunities and have their voices heard.

We cannot wait for the feedback from this visit and will be back to report on this soon.