Accessible Facilities at Academy of Sport & Wellbeing, UHI Perth

On day five of Scottish Disability Sport Week 2025, we explore the importance of having accessible facilities to support people with disabilities to be able take part in sport and physical activity.

At the Academy of Sport and Wellbeing (ASW), UHI Perth, accessibility is not an add-on - it is woven into every step of the customer journey. We caught up Christine Paton, ASW Operations Manager, who told us.

“At the Academy of Sport and Wellbeing, we have worked to embed accessibility into the full customer journey. This includes designated accessible parking adjacent to the main entrance, step-free access throughout the building, and an automatic door system to support ease of movement. Our Changing Places facility provides an enhanced standard of personal care provision, and across our activity areas we have a range of adaptive equipment and inclusive layouts designed to ensure that visitors with diverse needs can participate confidently and comfortably.”

“Accessibility sits at the heart of our operational ethos. For us, it’s about creating an equitable platform where every individual, regardless of ability, can engage meaningfully in sport, physical activity, and wellbeing. It aligns directly with our commitment to reducing barriers, enhancing community value, and delivering a service environment that is genuinely inclusive.”

“By prioritising accessibility, we’ve been able to cultivate strong partnerships and attract a wide spectrum of disability sport groups. The presence of wheelchair-based sports, boccia sessions, powerchair football activity, and involvement from Perth & Kinross Disability Sport and Scottish Disability Sport has expanded our user base and strengthened our reputation as a hub for inclusive sport. The momentum we’re seeing is a clear indicator that accessible design drives both engagement and sustainable growth”

“While we’ve made good progress, we recognise there is still scope to enhance the user experience. We are currently reviewing signage clarity, and the potential for additional adaptive equipment. As part of our continuous-improvement mindset, we’re also assessing operational workflows to ensure that accessibility is consistently embedded across all touchpoints”

Perth and Kinross Disability Sport Branch Coordinator, Graeme Doig added “The team at the Academy of Sport and Wellbeing are always so helpful, supportive and friendly - this makes a huge difference to our experience. Accessible sports facilities don’t just open doors—they open possibilities. When people with disabilities are given equitable access to spaces where they can train, compete, and belong, we create communities that value every person’s potential. Inclusive design isn’t an accommodation; it’s an investment in dignity, health, and the belief that everyone deserves the chance to move, play, and thrive.”