Paralympian's Powerful Call for Accessibility Awareness
Television presenter and Paralympic wheelchair basketball champion Ade Adepitan has issued a stark challenge to the British public: spend one week either in a wheelchair or blindfolded to truly comprehend the daily accessibility struggles faced by disabled people across the nation. Speaking exclusively to Metro as he prepares to host the prestigious 2026 Scope Awards, Adepitan delivered a sobering assessment of progress, declaring that transport systems, housing infrastructure, and community facilities remain woefully inadequate for millions.
A Nation Failing Its Disabled Citizens
Adepitan, who contracted polio as a child and lost the use of his left leg, emphasised that disabled individuals continue to be "very much marginalised in the UK." He warned that society is losing immense talent because systemic barriers prevent disabled people from playing significant roles in community life. "It is shocking that so many people are being neglected by society and not given the same access or opportunities," he stated, highlighting how thoughtless design and planning decisions routinely exclude those with disabilities.
The athlete recounted a recent interview with a doctor who had become blind, who described being forced to walk on roads with his children because cars blocked pavements during the school run. This dangerous situation, Adepitan noted, exemplifies how everyday environments become hazardous for disabled people due to simple lack of consideration.
Transport Barriers and Stagnant Progress
Supporting Adepitan's observations, a November 2024 survey from the National Centre for Accessible Transport revealed that over 90% of disabled people encounter barriers when using at least one mode of transport. Even more concerning is the statistic that disabled individuals make 38% fewer journeys using transport than their non-disabled counterparts—a figure that has shown no improvement in a decade.
Adepitan painted a vivid picture of the experience: "All I have to say is spend a week in a wheelchair, or spend a week blindfolded, and tell me what you make of life. You will probably feel like you are living in a country that has just come out of a war." He argued that such firsthand understanding would make non-disabled people far more likely to advocate for inclusive planning and design.
The Sports Participation Crisis
Turning to athletics, Adepitan highlighted how disabled people are being systematically denied opportunities in sports due to resource shortages and insufficient support structures. According to Sport England, disabled people are nearly twice as likely to be physically inactive compared to those without disabilities. Adepitan, who began playing wheelchair basketball after moving from Nigeria to East London at age three, acknowledged his privileged position as someone who gained access to elite sport.
"Schools are still not equipped to give disabled people opportunities, but schools are where a lot of people's passion for sport begins," he explained. "Being able to do these leisure activities is a luxury. Only when you feel financially secure, physically secure, and emotionally secure—then you can start looking for a sports club." For many disabled individuals struggling with basic life aspects like employment, participating in sports becomes an impossible dream.
Community Action and Leadership
Adepitan stressed that meaningful change requires bottom-up community engagement alongside inclusive leadership. "Change starts from the bottom up. The only way we are going to make change is if we come together as communities," he asserted. "We also need leadership which is inclusive of disabled people. We are the most incredible problem solvers." His own journey—from Paralympic gold medalist and MBE recipient to becoming a leading commentator and Channel 4's face of Paralympic coverage—demonstrates what becomes possible with proper support.
Celebrating Achievement Through the Scope Awards
As host of the upcoming Scope Awards at London's Kia Oval in April, Adepitan sees the ceremony as crucial for celebrating disabled excellence. "To be hosting the awards is an honour. To have awards that celebrate disabled people who are doing amazing things, it is crucial," he remarked. "It is even more important that the people without disabilities hear these stories." The full shortlist of nominations will be announced later in February, spotlighting individuals and organisations making significant contributions to disability inclusion.
Adepitan's challenge ultimately serves as a powerful reminder that creating a truly accessible society requires empathy, deliberate design, and sustained commitment from every sector of British life.
