The English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) is marking International Day of Persons with Disabilities by launching the Me, being active series. In the first of the collection, viewers meet five disabled people and learn more about the benefits they gain from being active. Adding to EFDS’s successful Being Active guide, the national charity hopes they provide more disabled people with useful information to lead an active lifestyle.

Meet Cassie, Cath, Chandni, Hannah and Wolf. They are five disabled people with a range of impairments, who all lead active lives. In their own words, each individual shares their personal story. As well as discussing how they first became active, they explain the way it makes them feel.

The Me, being active films are supported by Disability Rights UK and Sport England. EFDS worked with production company Fuzzy Duck to create the stories that highlight running, powerchair football, gym workouts, dance and cycling.

On last year’s International Day for Disabled People, EFDS in partnership with Disability Rights UK released the successful Being Active Guide. The Guide talks directly to disabled people. It gives inactive disabled people access to relevant information, so they have control over where, what and how they can start being active. These films add to the Guide’s success, allowing viewers to hear others’ advice.

Barry Horne, Chief Executive for EFDS, said:

“We are delighted to release this set of films which follow our Being Active guide. They personify what EFDS continually tries to relay to organisations we work with. To increase the number of active disabled people, we need understand more about disabled people’s lives. Everyone has individual motivations and different people influence our behaviour. That comes through in each story.

“We want to add to this collection over the coming years, so disabled people can access information, which could encourage more to lead active lives.”

Sport England’s Director of Business Partnerships, Tanya Joseph said:

“These brilliant films perfectly capture the amazing journey which sport can take us on, from fear and apprehension to a sense of accomplishment and pride. As we mark International Day for Disabled People, these personal stories are an important reminder of the work we must continue to do to make sport accessible to everyone.”

Since 1992, people from across the globe have celebrated the United Nation’s International Day for Disabled People, 3 December. The annual celebration adopts a theme every year. In 2015, the theme is- Inclusion matters: access and empowerment for people of all abilities.

The United Nations created The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), as it is also known, in 1992. It aims to promote awareness and gain support for critical issues relating to the inclusion of disabled people in society. The Day raises awareness about disability issues and draws attention to the benefits of an inclusive and accessible society for all. This year’s theme is Inclusion matters.

The English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) exists to make active lives possible and ensure that millions of disabled people can lead active lifestyles. Dedicated to disabled people in sport and physical activity, EFDS supports a wide range of organisations to include disabled people more effectively. The national charity looks to a better future where everyone can enjoy the opportunities available. Established in September 1998, EFDS has a vision that disabled people are active for life.

The Me, being active films are available in a short and full version. To watch Cassie, Cath, Chandni, Hannah and Wolf’s stories, visit the Being Active playlist on EFDS’s YouTube channel here.

For more information on EFDS, visit the website www.efds.co.uk.

How are you marking International Day of Persons with Disabilities? Let us know on Twitter: @AbleMag