Leisure
Library services for disabled people
The library development programme is providing improved access at most libraries with ground level access or improved disabled ramp access and the introduction of automatic doors.
Liverpool Libraries also offer the following facilities:
- Text magnification and screen reader software.
- Large-print books.
- Spoken word cassettes.
- Low bookcases and high contrast signs.
- Textphones and induction loop systems.
- Fully accessible workstations with adaptive software in the UKOnline Centre in Central Library.
The Services for Disabled People Team within the Central Library runs a transcription service to make information accessible to disabled people. Transcripts of a wide range of information into alternative formats including Braille, large print and audiotape are available.
For more information about library services for disabled people, or for advice on producing accessible information, contact Mary Simpson at Central Library.
Telephone: 0151 233 5870.
Football Development Programme for disabled people
This initiative has been developed by the Football Development Officer in partnership with Merseyside Sport and the County FA.
It is the largest Disability Football Development Programme in the country, providing local development initiatives plus national schemes for juniors and adults. Services include:
- Walton Football Club for disabled players - 30 children regularly attend the session on a Thursday night at the Walton Soccer Centre.
- Merseyside Schools Football Tournament at the Greenbank Sports Academy, 250 children play from 30 schools from all over Merseyside.
- County FA Centre of Excellence for Disabled Players - the first set up in the country. The sessions are every Tuesday at Picton Leisure Centre.
- Mini Leagues - 12 sessions of fun competitions held in four-week blocks three times a year. Up to 50 children attend each week.
Everton FC also runs several teams and training sessions for disabled players both junior and senior. Contact Dave Connor. Telephone: 0151 330 2307.
Football Development Officer - Steve Swinnerton 0151 523 6905.
Other sports and leisure activities
Disability sport in Liverpool is mainly delivered through partnership arrangements with a number of agencies, particularly the Merseyside Sports Development Officer for disabled people.
Beechley Stables is the North West's only Riding Centre of excellence for people with disabilities. The centre is open 5 days per week. Please contact us if you are interested in taking lessons, volunteering or just finding out more. Telephone: 0151 724 4490.
Both the Garston (0151 233 5700) and Norris Green (0151 233 6295) Leisure Centres are accessible and offer facilities such as automatic entrance doors, changing and shower areas, together with items such as a swimming pool hoist. The pools are deck level and are accessible for wheelchair users.
The Millennium House Lifestyles Fitness facility (0151 233 4123) has changing and shower rooms for disabled people and is accessible.
The Peter Lloyd Leisure Centre has automatic entrance doors, and a deck level pool with a disabled hoist. There is also a weekly disability trampolining session initiated by sports development.
Sportslinx - Disabled children receive sports testing and the opportunity to participate in taster days and after school clubs through the Sportslinx programme.
Development initiatives in conjunction with Merseyside Disability Sport Officer.
Over 2000 disabled people take part in the Schools and Club Events Programme.
Club Development - Existing clubs are supported to develop through identifying funding streams, (awards for all, volunteer's etc.) The One Small Step programme has created four new after school clubs for St Vincent's, Palmerston, Broadgreen and Sandfield Park Schools. Over 60 children a week take part in these clubs, with trained sports leaders assisting the teachers in running the sessions.
Coach Education - a programme of coach education courses is published each year to train coaches and volunteers to coach disabled sports people.
Merseyside Youth Games: Approximately 80 young disabled people compete for Liverpool in the Games in a variety of sports such as swimming, Cricket and athletics.
For more information contact: Peter Wyman on 0151 231 5220, or Steve Sullivan on 0151 231 5392.