Club Inclusion and Accessibility Survey

27th September, 2019

SENT ON BEHALF OF BOWLS DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE (BDA)

During the first quarter of the year the BDA sent out a survey to all Bowls England and EIBA affiliated clubs to help us better understand the make-up of their membership.

The information required from the surveys was essential for us to be able to offer clubs guidance, training and support to ensure they have the capacity to provide access to their facilities and activities for current and future members, regardless of ability or personal circumstance.

We are very pleased to announce that the response we received from clubs was phenomenal, with over 500 different clubs completing the survey! The results show that disability is very much prominent in the sport, with more than 44% of the club members in those clubs who responded having at least one impairment. The most common impairments were reported to be hearing, long-term pain or discomfort, mobility issues and stamina (see chart).

The BDA will focus our efforts, through the work of the Disability Bowls Steering Group, to address all the points raised. That is why the next tasks at hand for the group are the creation of the new, updated Bowls Disability Mark Club Packs, the re-launch of the new Advisory Guide to disabled participation in bowls, as well as the development of the new Working with Disabled People in Bowls Module.

The initial survey was circulated before the start of the outdoor bowling season and many clubs did not know the make-up of their membership until membership renewal deadline day, as well as the end of their open days.

That is why we are now asking clubs to complete the second part of our Club Inclusion and Accessibility Survey, so we are able to compare the data with the earlier questionnaire, and allow those clubs who haven’t had the chance to fill it in then to do it now. If a club does not hold sufficient information to complete the survey, we would again ask them to provide us with an educated estimate based on your best knowledge of your current facilities and membership.

To access the survey go to: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/VMF383W

We understand that most clubs might not currently hold any information regarding the health and medical conditions of their members. If your club does not hold sufficient information to complete the survey, we would ask you to provide us with an educated estimate based on your best knowledge of your current facilities and membership. For those clubs that would like to update their membership forms, email us at disability@playbowls.org to receive a club membership form template which can be used as a guide.

Should you have any queries regarding this survey please e-mail: disability@playbowls.org

Forgot your password?