Preston’s university to pilot sports app for people with disabilities

A man in a wheelchair using the app alongside Accessercise creator and Paralympic medallist, Ali Jawad. Pic: UCLan

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has been chosen to be one of three universities in the UK to test a sports app, designed for people with disabilities.

Created by Paralympic medalist, Ali Jawad and world champion sailor, Sam Brearey, Accessercise will offer workout suggestions to the University’s disabled students and staff, allowing them to exercise safely.

The app also includes exercise libraries tailored to different impairments, an explore section which allows users to rate the accessibility of sporting facilities in Preston and a social hub where people can connect and support each other.

The pilot programme means staff and students will have free access to the app for 12 months, meaning they will be able to keep active independently whilst studying.

Ali Jawad, who created the Accessercise is a para-powerlifter and former world champion who has competed in four Paralympics.

He said: “We are delighted to have UCLan piloting the app, helping their disabled community become healthy.

“We are looking forward to supporting UCLan’s mission for inclusivity and accessibility.

“Accessercise and UCLan have a real chance to change the lives of so many disabled people, breaking down barriers, and empowering its students by providing resources, knowledge, and support.

“Accessercise aims to drive the much-needed change in inclusivity, equality, and accessibility for the disabled community.”

UCLan’s Director of Sport, Dr Adrian Ibbetson believes the app will provide many benefits to those who use it, not only physical but mental as well.

He said: “In our quest to become a healthy and active university, our aim is to encourage as many people as possible to build physical activity, exercise and sport into their everyday lives.

“The Accessercise app helps more of our students and staff to experience the benefits that exercise can offer to physical wellbeing.

“The social dimensions of the app can also help to reduce isolation, build relationships and facilitate friendships, all of which are central to positive mental wellbeing.”

There are another eight universities in the pipeline to pilot Accessercise in the UK.

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