Help make this a summer of inclusion
For most children, summer means long, sunny days filled with laughter, outdoor adventures, time with friends, and the freedom to explore, play, and make memories that last a lifetime. It’s a season of possibility.
But for many disabled children, summer can feel very different.
Accessible activities can be hard to find, inclusive spaces are often limited, and families can spend hours searching for opportunities and support.
Too often, children watch from the side-lines, missing out on the chance to build confidence, form friendships, explore independence, and simply experience the joy of being active outdoors.
Without opportunities to take part in activities and enjoy nature, summer can be lonely for disabled children and stressful for their families.
“When you’re caring for someone with a disability, any place you go has to be planned meticulously. RDA means my daughters have the opportunity to do something physical together – there are so few activities open to them both that they can enjoy. Their needs are quite varied and we have not come across anywhere else that can meet them in the way RDA does. RDA really does encompass so many needs in one go. At RDA can just step into the arena and enjoy a wonderful session together.” Parent of RDA Participants
The everyday reality
For disabled children, these barriers shape how summer is experienced.
- When outdoor spaces and nature are harder to access safely, there are fewer chances to explore, play, and enjoy the everyday moments many children take for granted.
- When sport and recreation aren’t fully inclusive, opportunities to stay active, build confidence, and connect with others become limited.
- And when activities aren’t designed for everyone, children miss out on shared experiences with their peers – not through choice, but through exclusion.
- For parents and carers, this often means more responsibility over the long summer holidays, with fewer breaks, fewer suitable options, and less support than they rely on during term time. What should feel like a shared family season becomes a constant effort to plan, problem-solve, and manage the added cost, stress, and uncertainty.
- This can lead to poorer mental health, social isolation, lower life satisfaction, and fewer opportunities to take part in everyday life
Too many children are left in the shade.
Why RDA matters
Because of you, children feel free, confident and that they belong
Meet Austyn
Austyn has been part of RDA for seven years, progressing from a mechanical horse to riding at RDA Beechley Stables. Riding and hippotherapy have improved his strength, wellbeing, and confidence, while giving him a place where he feels happy, included, and supported.
Meet Hazel and Miriam
At just seven years old, Hazel first discovered RDA through her school. Not long afterwards, her younger sister Miriam joined too. Today, RDA remains a cherished part of family life, providing opportunities, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
Because of you, more stories like this are possible.
Because of you, children can take part in experiences that build confidence, connection, and a sense of belonging.
How RDA make inclusion possible
RDA create inclusive opportunities for disabled that might not otherwise exist.
- Children are welcomed into safe, supportive spaces where activities adapted so every child can take part in ways that work for them.
- RDA coaches understand different needs and provide encouragement, patience, and confidence-building support that helps every child achieve, and feel included, and part of the group.
- Through venues across the UK, children can experience activity, movement, and the outdoors in environments designed for inclusion.
- For families, RDA is often the first place where they can simply arrive without worry – knowing their child will be understood and included.
“With other groups, Austyn can sometimes get a bit lost, especially because he’s blind. But at RDA the focus is completely on him and his individual needs. That’s what makes it so special.” Parent of RDA Participant
This is how RDA helps close gaps in inclusive provision. And why more children can experience a summer where they truly belong.
What your support makes possible
Because of you, summer doesn’t have to feel like exclusion. With your support, we can make this a summer of inclusion and possibility.
It can become a season of confidence, movement, and belonging.
Children gain confidence through participation. They build friendships through shared experiences. They grow in independence in safe, supportive environments.
And for families, it can bring moments of relief, joy, and a summer full of shared memories.
At RDA, children don’t just take part – they belong.
Make this a Summer of Inclusion
Make this a Summer of Inclusion
This summer, your support helps ensure more children are included, more families feel supported, and fewer children are left on the sidelines.
Because of you, inclusion becomes real.
Join us. Make this summer a Summer of Inclusion, so nobody is left in the shade
