Sports and leisure activities
Playing sports, taking part in exercise, and socialising with other people are all really important for good physical and emotional health. Take a look at some disability sports available in Devon.
As well as applying to education and employment, the Equality Act 2010 says changes or adjustments should be made so that if you’re disabled you can still access:
- goods and services like shops, banks, cinemas, hospitals, council offices, leisure centres
- associations and private clubs like the Scouts and Guides, private golf clubs and working men clubs
If you need – or prefer – to find an activity specifically suitable for children and young people with SEND, there are a range of activities and groups across Devon that may be of interest.
Devon’s libraries
There’s always lots going on at Devon’s libraries! With over 50 libraries across the county offering regular clubs (Lego club anyone?) as well as special events there’s a good chance you’ll find something of interest near you.
Follow Libraries Unlimited on their Facebook, Instagram or X social media accounts – or see if your local library has their own to find out what’s on near you.
Disability-friendly cinema screenings
Audio described or subtitled films
Cinemas will usually offer some audio-described (AD) or subtitled (ST) screenings of films to assist movie-goers with sensory impairments. Check your local cinema’s information to find suitable performances.
Autism friendly screenings
Many cinema chains also now offer autism friendly screenings (sometime called relaxed or sensory-friendly). These may include lighting being left on during the film, sound being turned down, no adverts or trailers being shown, and freedom for children and young children to move around if they want or need to.
There’s some useful information on the Dimensions website about autism friendly screenings. The Odeon, Picturehouse and Vue cinemas in Exeter all offer these, as do Scott Cinemas in Exmouth and Barnstaple. Other independent cinemas or venues may also offer these, so please check with them if you’re in a different part of Devon.
CEA card
A CEA card enables a disabled cinema guest to receive a free ticket for someone to go with them when they visit the cinema (the cinema needs to be taking part in the scheme – many in Devon do).
Information and advice from DiAS
DiAS (Devon Information Advice and Support) also have some useful information covering travel and transport, as well as further ideas of activities and support available in and around Devon for young people.
Find out more on their young people’s getting out and about webpage.
Discounted activities
The Max Card is a discount card that is free to all children with SEND who are aged 25 or under and are part of the Disability Network in Devon.
It is a national scheme that gives discounts to over 800 attractions nationwide, over 60 of which are in Devon and Cornwall.