Disability news

tennis player alfie hewett engages in loughborough uni research

Wimbledon in focus: How Loughborough research is giving Alfie Hewett a competitive edge (VIDEO)

Alfie Hewett is a man who needs little introduction.
3 children sat working together at school

“Parents’ understanding of their children is often belittled and children are rarely asked what they need" - Loughborough expert argues need to fully focus on children's rights in SEND system reform

As part of this week’s Spending Review (June 25), Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed over £1bn in support for children's social care and the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system. Of this, £760m will go towards making the SEND system "more inclusive and improve outcomes for all children and young people."
athlete richard whitehead in a mask

Richard Whitehead’s 100 marathon challenge – with a little help from Loughborough University (VIDEO)

For many, completing just one marathon in a lifetime is a huge achievement.
two female athletes compete for the ball in wheelchair rugby

Loughborough research leads to rule change in World Wheelchair Rugby

Research conducted by Loughborough University has led to a rule change in World Wheelchair Rugby (WWR), increasing female participation in the sport.
Colleagues with Loughborough University's new para sport strategy

Loughborough University launches new Para and Disability Sport Strategy

Loughborough University has officially launched its new Para and Disability Sport Strategy – with opportunity sitting at its core.
Pictured from the left is Richard Wheater, the University’s Director of Sport, Professor Jo Maher, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Sport, Penny Briscoe, Director of Sport for ParalympicsGB, Alasdair Donaldson, the University’s Head of Para Sport, Professor Nick Jennings, Loughborough’s Vice-Chancellor, and Professor Rachel Thomson, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor.

ParalympicsGB and Loughborough University announce landmark strategic partnership

ParalympicsGB and Loughborough University have announced a landmark strategic partnership to drive forward innovation in Para Sport and champion disability inclusion across the sporting landscape.
a child jumping over a plastic hoops

Too many disabled young people are missing out on PE – here’s how that could change

The UK government has called on schools to do more to enhance opportunities in PE and sport for disabled young people.
a graphic that states 'why paralympic classification matters'

Explainer: What is classification at the Paralympic Games? (VIDEO)

Classification is a major element in Para sport, but what does it actually mean?
a logo for the experts in sport podcast

Experts in Sport: Loughborough’s role in inspiring change in Para sport

With the 2024 Paralympic Games now well underway, it’s a crucial time to explore the evolving research landscape in Para and disability sport. 
a female wheelchair rugby player playing in a match

Loughborough University researchers collaborate with World Wheelchair Rugby

Over the last several months, Loughborough University research has been taking place to support World Wheelchair Rugby’s (WWR) commitment and strategy to increasing female participation in the sport.
a wheelchair tennis player playing a shot from the baseline

Loughborough University research paves the way for wheelchair tennis success in Paris (VIDEO)

With the Paralympic Games just a few days away, Professor Vicky Tolfrey has discussed how Loughborough University research has positively impacted wheelchair tennis performance.
A blind man sitting with his dog

A quarter of blind and partially sighted people miss out on their disability benefits

New research from the Centre for Research in Social Policy at Loughborough University, produced for RNIB, reveals that more than one in four blind and partially sighted people (83,000) miss-out on the disability benefits they’re entitled to.
Noonan Syndrome:

Families living with Noonan Syndrome call for more social support and medical awareness

Families living with Noonan Syndrome say there is a pressing need for more social support and awareness of the rare genetic condition.
Canada athlete Brent Lakatos

Brent Lakatos: From Canada via Loughborough with all eyes on Paris (VIDEO)

On first inspection, the Canadian city of Dorval has few similarities with Loughborough.
Ntando Mahlangu, the double Paralympic champion, has joined Loughborough. The picture is a close up of him.

Ntando Mahlangu – double Paralympic champion joins Loughborough University (VIDEO)

Ntando Mahlangu has already lived a life like no other.

Image of a UK motorway with cars and lorries on it, there is a slight blur on the image.

Project aims to help identify motorists with dementia who are unfit to drive

A new Loughborough University-led project aims to develop an effective screening test to identify individuals in the early stages of dementia who are unfit to drive.
L-R: Prof Vicky Tolfrey (Loughborough University), Owen Tolfrey (Loughborough University), Will Brierley and Neil Stuley (AELTC Ground staff), Thomas Rietveld (Loughborough University), Ellie-May Storr (Loughborough University) and front Nick Webborn (Chair of BPA, Visiting Clinical Professor, Loughborough University)

Loughborough research at Wimbledon to drive exposure of wheelchair tennis

Research conducted by Loughborough University at Wimbledon has the potential to drive more exposure of wheelchair tennis.

Colourful woven clothing designs displayed on mannequins and hanging behind mannequins

Textile student creates clothes to celebrate disability identity and adaptive fashion

Kathryn Geary’s Disability Visibility final year project features colourful and individually designed products with adaptations to make the clothing easy to wear and remove.
Loughborough Lightning Wheelchair Basketball secured consecutive league titles following another incredible campaign in the Women’s Premier League.

Loughborough Lightning Wheelchair Basketball win back-to-back league titles

Loughborough Lightning Wheelchair Basketball secured consecutive league titles following another incredible campaign in the Women’s Premier League.

bo kramer

Paralympic Games champion Kramer signs for Lightning (VIDEO)

Loughborough Lightning Wheelchair Basketball has secured a major coup with the signing of Netherlands international and Paralympic Games champion, Bo Kramer.

Alasdair Donaldson

Alumnus Donaldson appointed Head of Para Sport

Alumnus Alasdair Donaldson has been appointed Loughborough University’s new Head of Para Sport.

Disability History Month 2022 asset

Loughborough University launches Disability History Month campaign

The University and Students’ Union have worked together to create a programme of events and initiatives to mark Disability History Month (16 November-16 December).

Illustration of a woman in a pink jumper sat cross-legged, meditating.

Exercise toolkit looks to improve physical and mental wellbeing of patients in secure psychiatric facilities

A new physical activity toolkit for patients and staff in secure services has been launched by Loughborough University academics.

Six images of the wheelchair designed by the Aston and Loughborough academics.

Loughborough University expert helps design unique, low-cost rugby wheelchair

The game of wheelchair rugby is being opened up to children in South Africa, thanks to researchers from Loughborough and Aston universities.
An image of Orbit, an interactive robot that aims to teach children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) about emotions and social appropriateness through storytelling, physical interaction, and visual communication. It is dome shaped, and has a smiley face appearance on a screen.

Meet Orbit, the interactive robot that looks to help children with autism spectrum disorders develop social skills

“Hey there. Allow me to introduce you to your new companion, Orbit, a robot you can play with and listen to. Not only can Orbit hear you, they can feel you too.”