Disability Sport: Reimagining Physical Culture, Health and Wellbeing

Disability Sport: Reimagining Physical Culture, Health and Wellbeing is a vibrant two-day conference.

This unique event brings together researchers, practitioners, and advocates in a single shared space, fostering an inclusive environment where every voice is heard.

The programme includes a series of engaging research presentations, with regular breaks designed to maximise networking opportunities and spark new collaborations. Attendees will have ample time to connect, reflect, and explore shared interests in disability sport, health, and inclusive physical culture.

Whether you're presenting, networking, or simply listening and learning, this conference promises to be a space for inspiration, connection, and reimagining what’s possible in the world of disability sport.

You will be able to:

• Share and discover cutting-edge research in disability sport, health, and inclusive physical culture
• Engage in meaningful dialogue with experts and peers in a collaborative setting that encourages active listening and mutual respect
• Build valuable networks through regular breaks and informal conversations, opening doors to future partnerships, research projects, and career opportunities
• Gain fresh perspectives on inclusive practices and policy development that can be applied in academic, clinical, or community settings
• Enhance visibility and impact by presenting work to a focused and engaged audience
• Feel part of a supportive community that values inclusion, accessibility, and shared learning
• Enjoy a relaxed and reflective environment, with time to recharge, connect, and be inspired by others’ stories and experiences
• Leave with renewed motivation and a deeper understanding of how sport and physical culture can transform lives

Schedule

This is a draft schedule for the day. There will be an official release of the programme once we have received submissions from presenters.

Day 1

Day 2

Call for abstracts

We invite you to submit an abstract for the Disability Sport Conference, taking place from Monday 13th July to Tuesday 14th July 2026.

Please read the information on this section carefully before completing your submission.

Language

All abstracts and presentations must be in English, the official language of the Conference. Foreign language translation services will not be provided.

Please ensure your PowerPoint presentations are as inclusive and accessible as possible for attendees with disabilities. We encourage all presenters to review best practices for accessible presentation design.

Number of submissions

Each author may submit a maximum of two abstracts.

Word limit

The abstract—excluding the title, author names, and affiliations —must not exceed 500 words/3,000 characters, including spaces. Authors are advised to use the character count feature available in most word processing software to verify compliance with this limit during preparation. Tables and figures may be included within the abstract; however, please note that these will contribute to the overall character count.

Type of submissions

Abstracts may only be submitted for oral presentation. Oral presentations will be limited to 20 minutes, followed by a 5-minute discussion period. This schedule will be strictly observed to ensure that sessions commence and conclude on time, allowing delegates to plan accordingly. Presenting authors are required to submit their presentations in PowerPoint format (or a compatible alternative) via email to uwdsconf@worc.ac.uk by 4pm on Friday, 10th July. This deadline ensures neurodivergent attendees have access to presentation materials ahead of the conference.

Review

Each abstract will be reviewed for its merit and/or relevance to the Conference themes.

Submission deadline

Abstracts must be submitted electronically no later than Friday 9th January 2026.

How to submit

All authors must submit the abstract electronically to uwdsconf@worc.ac.uk.

Receipt of abstracts

All authors submitting abstracts will receive electronic confirmation from the Conference organisers acknowledging receipt of their submission.

Notification

All authors will be notified about the acceptance or rejection of the abstract no later than Friday 13th February 2026.

Publication of conference proceedings

As with previous conferences, efforts will be made to secure a publishing partner for the dissemination of conference presentations. The aim is to produce a new and up-to-date body of social science knowledge that will support the growing academic and student interest in disability sport worldwide. Further details regarding the submission requirements and peer review process for inclusion in the published proceedings will be provided in due course.

Disclaimer

Please note that the conference will be recorded and live streamed to accommodate those unable to attend in person. By participating, you consent to the possibility of your image, voice, or contributions being included in the recording and broadcast.

Accessibility

The University Arena is designed with disability inclusion at its core, ensuring that all visitors can participate fully and comfortably.

• Assistance Dogs: Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the Arena.
• Audio Support: Induction loop systems are installed in the Joel Richards Conference Suite to support visitors with hearing impairments.
• Accessible Toilets: Clearly signposted accessible toilets are available on both the ground and first floors.
• Changing Facilities: The ground floor features fully accessible changing rooms and toilets, larger than standard accessible facilities. These include a height-adjustable changing bench, optional hoists (available on request), and space for up to two personal assistants or carers.
• Parking: A dedicated car park offers 286 spaces, including 27 accessible bays.

Closed captions will be provided for all presentations; however, please note that they may not always be fully accurate.

BSL interpreters will be provided. Please let us know by (date to be confirmed) if you require this service, so we can make the necessary arrangements, by emailing Rebecca Foster at r.foster@worc.ac.uk.

Keynote speakers

There will be an official release of Keynote Speakers once confirmed.

Registration

Please book your place using the link at the top of this page. Information on registration fees, allocation of student places and Visas can be found below.

Fees

Early Bird Registration (before 1st March 2026)

Early bird registration fee: £200

General Registration (after 1st March 2026)

Full two-day registration fee: £275

One day registration fee: £175

Student Registration

Student registration fee: £50

Live Stream

Live Stream Fee: £40

Please note: Live stream tickets are available for individuals who are unable to travel to Worcester due to health-related circumstances. If you believe this applies to you, please complete our Microsoft Form to request registration access.

University of Worcester & Partner Colleges

A 10% discount for early bird and general registration is offered to staff members of University of Worcester and our partner colleges, the full list can be found below:

• University of Worcester
• Heart of Worcestershire College
• Herefordshire, Ludlow & North Shropshire College
• Halesowen College
• Walsall College
• Dudley College

Tickets can be purchased through the registration link at the top of this page, please register with your institution email address.

Registration fee includes:

• Attendance at all sessions
• Delegate pack
• Lunches and morning and afternoon tea/coffee breaks on the days of the conference

Not included in the fees:

Please note the registration fee does not include travel to and from Worcester for the conference or accommodation whilst in Worcester. It is anticipated that hotel costs will be between £70 and £140 per night depending on your choice of hotel.

Travel and accommodation information can be found at the bottom of the page.

Student places

Students will be expected to provide proof of student status upon registration and will be expected to act as session chairs for the paper presentations.

Visa or invitation letters

Anyone requiring an invitation letter or letter to support a visa application can request one upon full payment of registration fee. However, all enquiries or questions regarding Visas should be directed to your relevant local government, embassy or immigration office.

Travel and accommodation

The information on this page will help you plan your travel and accommodation for the Disability Sport Conference, taking place 13th July–14th July 2026.

The conference will be held at the University of Worcester Arena.

Conference attendees are responsible for arranging and covering the costs of their own travel and accommodation.

Travel

The postcode of University of Worcester Arena is WR2 5JN.

By air

Birmingham International Airport is around 1 hour from Worcester by train and handles flights from across the world.

By train

Worcester has three train stations, Worcester Foregate Street, Worcestershire Parkway and Worcester Shrub Hill, all connecting to multiple UK cities. The closest station is Worcester Foregate Street, a short 15 minute walk to the University Arena.

London to Worcester

London Euston to Worcester Foregate Street via Birmingham, Avanti West Coat and West Midlands Railway trains, takes approximately 2 and a half hours.

London Euston to Worcestershire Parkway via Birmingham, Avanti West Coat and Cross Country trains, takes approximately 2 hours.

Accommodation

Below is a suggested list of hotels in Worcester. Hotels are expected to cost between £70 and £140 per night. Conference attendees are encouraged to check hotel reviews before booking.