Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Inclusive Sports Opportunities for All Abilities in Scotland
Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) stands as Scotland's governing body for inclusive sports, dedicated to empowering individuals of all ages and abilities with physical, sensory, or learning disabilities. Established in 1962, we have evolved from a branch of the British Sports Association for the Disabled into an independent, pan-disability organisation recognised by sportscotland as Scotland's lead agency in disability sport. Our strategic plan, Inspiring Through Inclusion 2021-2029, guides our mission to create welcoming sporting environments, support athlete progression, and drive systemic change through partnerships with Scottish Governing Bodies of Sport, local authorities, and third-sector organisations. With 14 regional branches and a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, we deliver over 20 sports including athletics, boccia, and wheelchair basketball, while advocating for policy reforms that address barriers to participation.Our commitment to inclusion is demonstrated through initiatives like the Activity Inclusion Model (AIM), disability-specific coaching certifications, and our four-point Call to Action addressing systemic inequalities. We maintain strong ties with the British Paralympic Association and coordinate national events like the Commonwealth Games and Paralympic pathways, ensuring Scotland remains at the forefront of disability sport development. Our governance structure combines experienced volunteers with professional staff, reflecting our dual heritage of grassroots activism and institutional expertise.
Services
Boccia
Athletics
Swimming
Wheelchair Basketball
Cycling
Goalball
Powerlifting
Sailing
Curling
Triathlon
Details
- Year established: 1962
Highlights and features
- We coordinate over 20 disability sports with national and international competition pathways
- Our Activity Inclusion Model (AIM) provides structured support for inclusive sports delivery
- We offer specialist coaching education programmes accredited by sportscotland
- Our 14 regional branches ensure local access to disability sport opportunities
- We lead Scotland's Paralympic and Commonwealth Games athlete development pathways
Services
Boccia
Boccia is a precision ball sport played by athletes with severe motor impairments. Our programme develops players from grassroots to international competition, providing equipment loans and certified coaching. The sport enhances motor skills, strategic thinking, and social inclusion through structured competitions and club networks across Scotland.
Athletics
Our athletics programme supports disabled athletes in running, jumping, and throwing events. With classification support and coach education, we facilitate participation in local clubs and national competitions. The programme focuses on personal achievement, physical development, and pathway opportunities to elite levels.
Swimming
Swimming instruction and competition opportunities are provided for individuals with physical, sensory, and learning disabilities. Our programme includes lesson plans for instructors, safety training, and competitive events that align with national governing body standards for inclusive aquatic sports.
Wheelchair Basketball
This team sport programme develops wheelchair basketball across Scotland through club networks, coach education, and equipment provision. The sport promotes teamwork, physical conditioning, and social integration, with competitive leagues and regional tournaments for all skill levels.
Coaching Education
Our coaching programmes deliver disability-specific qualifications accredited by sportscotland. The curriculum covers inclusive practice, impairment-specific techniques, and safeguarding. Training formats include workshops, online modules, and bespoke sessions for sports organisations seeking to improve accessibility.
People
Gavin Macleod
Chief Executive Officer
Gavin leads strategic development while overseeing wellbeing and protection initiatives. With extensive experience in disability sport policy, he represents SDS on national committees and ensures alignment with the UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Lynne Glen
Head of Development
Lynne directs development programmes and co-chairs the Disability Sport Coaching and Education Group. She specialises in inclusive practice implementation and athlete pathway development, drawing on 15+ years of disability sport experience.
Mark Gaffney
Head of Policy
Mark leads policy development and strategic advocacy efforts. He authored SDS's Call to Action addressing systemic barriers to sport participation, leveraging his background in disability rights and public policy reform.
Jennifer Barsby
Performance Manager
Jennifer oversees athlete progression pathways and competition structures. With expertise in sports science and disability classification, she manages talent development programmes that have produced multiple Paralympic qualifiers.
Emma Logan
Communications Manager
Emma leads media strategy and public engagement initiatives. She manages SDS's digital platforms and campaign development, ensuring consistent messaging across 14 regional branches and partner organisations.
Questions
What sports does Scottish Disability Sport support?
We coordinate over 20 sports including athletics, boccia, swimming, wheelchair basketball, and powerlifting, with opportunities for all disability types.
How can I find local disability sports opportunities?
Contact your regional manager covering areas from Shetland to the Scottish Borders for information on local clubs and events.
Do you provide coaching qualifications?
Yes, we offer sportscotland-accredited disability coaching courses and free online inclusive practice modules.
How does SDS support athlete development?
We provide competition pathways from playground to podium level, including Commonwealth Games and Paralympic preparation support.
What policy initiatives are you currently prioritising?
Our four-point Call to Action addresses benefits system barriers, transport access, and systemic inclusion across Scottish sports organisations.
How can organisations book training?
Bespoke workshops cost £400-£1,200 depending on duration and accreditation requirements. Bookings can be made through our online form.
