UK Athletics presents best practice with disability photographers

“We have created opportunities for all photographers, irrespective of whether they are disabled or non-disabled to come and attend the event in an inclusive way"

Sports photographers with disabilities were the focus at UK Athletics last week as the governing body marked National Inclusion Week in Great Britain.

National Inclusion Week is an annual week of activities and events across the country which serve to highlight the value of inclusion in the workplace.

UK Athletics’ work as a host of major events, and their commitment to supporting professional photographers with an impairment, was showcased in the form of a short behind the scenes video which can be watched here.

The focus on providing the best possible service to photographers attending British Athletics major events began as a result of the increase in Para athletics events being staged by UKA following the move to bring the organisation of major events in-house in 2011.

The most notable and positive development was an increase in the number of professional photographers with impairments covering the events.

In 2015, British Athletics began consulting with organisations such as the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), British Paralympic Association (BPA) and UK Sport.

Positive feedback from photographers

The resultant policy, British Athletics’ Guidance for Photographers, aims to cover all areas and potential scenarios for supporting the work of all attending photographers within the field of play.

This includes the pre-planning of wheelchair accessible photo positions, through to providing designated staff to assist disabled photographers on event day.

“Back in 2015 there was a realisation that what we provided as a service to photographers was good, but with the increase in disabled photographers attending our events, there were new questions to be addressed in order to provide inclusive access for all in the safest way possible," British Athletics Photo Chief Sally Skea said.

“Through consulting and tackling these issues, we recognised the potential for our service to be enhanced to excellent.

“We’re now in a position where we have created opportunities for all photographers, irrespective of whether they are disabled or non-disabled to come and attend the event in an inclusive way," Skea added.

Major Events Director at British Athletics, Cherry Alexander said feedback provided by photographers with a disability has been very positive.

“[It is significant] the fact that they continue to provide pointers to further improve what we do and make it the best experience for everyone who attends.

“This is crucial as we strive to continue enhancing the experience for members of the media, especially those with impairments. We’re dedicated to making sure our delivery for Para athletes on the field of play is replicated behind the scenes of our media operation too,” Alexander said.