This year our AGM took place virtually via Airmeet.  The focus was the impact of the pandemic on people with disabilities and long term conditions, exploring the role of local authorities in providing opportunities where all people can flourish. 

Alongside the formal AGM business, there was a line up of keynote speakers; a members showcase; and a choice of ‘Strategic Snapshot’ sessions from sector partners highlighting how their work relates to the topic.

Papers from the AGM

• Budget for 22/23
• Chairs’ Report
• Treasurers Statement
• Minutes of the AGM You can also view a recording of the AGM here.

Keynote Speakers

Tanni, Baroness Grey-Thompson – this keynote highlighted the need to ensure equality of opportunity to the physical and mental health benefits of being active and taking part in sport.  The Baroness also shared her views on how physical activity can be used to level-up health outcomes across the UK and address the inequalities exacerbated during the pandemic, particularly for those with a disability or long-term condition. You can view a recording of the session here.

Jo Verrent, Director, Unlimited, MBE – highlighted the positive impact of disabled artists within the cultural sector and the need for us all to embed more work by disabled artists within our programmes to reach new audiences and shift perceptions of disabled people at this critical time. You can view a recording of the session here.

Dr Heather J. L. Smith, Equality Specialist, National Trust – is the national specialist on accessibility for the National Trust and leads on access for their ‘Everyone Welcome’ work.  She highlighted innovative ways to make the countryside, parks, open spaces more accessible to disabled people and people with long term conditions, focusing on collaboration and partnership. You can view a recording of the session here.

Oliver Mantell, Director of Evidence & Insight, The Audience Agency – drew on the latest data and insights to explain levels of engagement and particular concerns for those with disabilities or long term conditions.  The challenge of inequality of access to culture and mitigating actions was covered, including the extent to which digital can contribute across libraries & literature; museums; galleries & heritage; outdoor arts & festivals; performing arts. You can view a recording of the session here.

Showcase Content

This showcase highlighted how CLOA members have been providing new opportunities for people with disabilities/long term conditions to participate in a spectrum of culture and leisure activities. Below is a summary of the initiatives featured; you can view the showcase presentations here and a recording of the session here.

Matinée; increasing access to cultural activities for those living with dementia – Ann Wright, Head of Arts, Derbyshire County Council

Bartlett Park; a capital programme including a flagship inclusive play area – Alice Bigelow, Parks & Open Spaces Manager, Tower Hamlets Borough Council

Swim, bike and run; supporting people with anxiety and depression – Fiona Hoare, Swim, Bike, Run Activator, Active Leeds 

My Way; themed museum sessions for neurodiverse visitors of all ages – Donna Pentlow, Assistant Director of Culture, Reading Borough Council

Move Together; an activity pathway for self-management of long-term health conditions – Ian Brooke, Head of Community Services, Oxford City Council

Leeds Museum and Galleries: work experience for young people with SEND, opportunities for artists with learning disabilities and neurodivergent youth panel – Carl Newbould, Learning and Access Officer, Leeds City Council

Sponsor Platform

Christian Barlow, Business Development Manager, Xn Leisure gave a presentation about moving self-service to the Cloud, with stats to highlight how important self-service is for consumers and the organisation.

Simon Beer, Operations & Digital Director, Bigwave Marketing gave an overview of key findings and latest industry trends in digital and traditional marketing to reach your audiences.

You can view a recording of the session here.

Strategic Snapshots

There was a choice of sessions hosted by strategic partners from Activity Alliance and the Richmond Group of Charities, Libraries Connected, National Lottery Heritage Fund, Visit Britain, The National Archives and Arts Council England.

Tackling Inequalities in Physical Activity – Activity Alliance and the Richmond Group of Charities shared their insights and experiences of engaging disabled people and people with multiple long term health conditions into physical activity. 

Libraries Connected – This snapshot covered what libraries are doing to support people with disabilities, and how they’re thinking beyond physical access to their buildings to develop a digital offer and work in communities to ensure libraries are as inclusive as possible.

Heritage Sector Strategic Snapshot – This session focused on good practice across the UK’s heritage sector through real examples of projects funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Improved Accessibility in Tourism – This session highlighted how improved accessibility within a destination can help enhance the socio economic benefits for businesses and host communities.

The National Archives – This snapshot focused on the immediate and lasting impacts of the pandemic on what archives can offer to audiences with long-term conditions.