• scoutwithprosthesis1This young Scout was born without a left hand.  When he took an interest in shooting, which is very popular in the Scout movement, Hampshire Scouts helped his local club to find a solution. 
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  • MattSkelhon1Matt Skelhon shot to fame when he grabbed gold at the Bejiing Paralympic Games and proved it was no fluke by claiming silver and bronze at London 2012.

    Read More
  • Di CoatesDeanna (Di) Coates lives in Hampshire, shoots air rifle from a wheelchair, and is one of our most successful disabled international athletes. 
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  • stewartnangle1Stewart Nangle, a Lancastrian, is pictured shooting .22 pistol.  What the photograph does not show is that at the time one of his legs was fitted with a metal frame that was bolted into the bones. 
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  • michaelwhapples1Michael Whapples from Leicestershire is blind and shoots air rifle.  In 2011 he was the first British shooter ever to compete at the Open European Shooting Championships for the Vision Impaired, held at Nitra, Slovakia. 

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  • vicmorris1Vic Morris lives in south Wales and is paralysed from the neck down as the result of an accident.  With the aid of an 'equaliser' device invented by his coach, John Kelman, Vic shoots pistol and rifle. 
    Read More

  • peterbreheny1Peter Breheny from Derbyshire shoots benchrest rifle.  He has Kennedy's Disease, a progressive wasting condition that has weakened his limbs. 
    Read More

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FAQs

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 What is a “disabled shooter”?

There is no ‘official’ definition of what amounts to disability in sport.  There’s also the difficulty that many people who would be regarded by others as having a disability or impairment don’t think of themselves as disabled.  The definition that the DSP is working with and promoting is:

If you need a modification to the standard equipment, technique or position in order to participate in one or more disciplines, then you are either disabled or ‘less able’. 

“Standard” means as laid down in the mainstream rules for the relevant discipline. 

There are some disciplines, such as benchrest and F Class fullbore, which are so accessible that people with disabilities can comply with the standard rules.  Nevertheless, if they would need a modification in order to take part in other disciplines, they still come within the definition above. 


What is a “less-able shooter”?

This is a term that the DSP has adopted to refer to:

shooters who have some impairment, but who would not regard themselves as “disabled” 

We’ve done this in order to make it clear that the project exists for the benefit of these shooters, as well as for those who clearly have a disability. 

Most less-able shooters are simply suffering from the common effects of increasing age, such as poor vision and arthritis, which have gradually become apparent during long shooting careers.  They need or would need some modification (often quite minor) to enable them to continue participating, but they aren’t regarded as “disabled” outside the sport; for example, they don’t have blue badges or receive disability benefits.

One of the DSP’s key aims is to raise awareness throughout target shooting of the fact that becoming less able doesn’t mean that a shooter has to give up the sport.  We’re also spreading information about the options available that will allow such a shooter to continue participating. 


What is a “disabled-friendly club”?

It’s often assumed that a club is only disabled-friendly if its premises are accessible by wheelchair users.  This is a mistake we’re keen to correct, as there are many clubs that have members who are clearly disabled, but who don’t need to use wheelchairs.  In fact, less than 8% of those with disabilities use wheelchairs. 

Conversely, the fact that a club is accessible by wheelchairs doesn’t automatically mean that it is disabled-friendly.  There are other significant factors, such as the disciplines available, and especially the attitude of the existing membership; will they welcome and assist a disabled person who turns up and says they want to join? 

Bearing these points in mind, the definition that the DSP is working with and promoting is:

A club that has, or is ready, willing and able to accept, members with disabilities or impairments.

Hot News!

DSP Videos

Videos on disabled target shooting now on Vimeo and YouTube. You are invited to contribute your videos.

Please Do Our Surveys!

survey Information about people and facilities is vital to our work (and funding). YOU can help by completing our People and Clubs/Grounds Surveys.

£250,000 for Clubs!

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Read about the huge increase in Sport England investment in grass-roots target shooting. 

International Development

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Read about how we are hoping to expand the range of international competitions open to disabled shooters, and let us know if you can help.  

Helpful Stuff

Vision for Shooters

For most shooters, being able to see well enough to aim accurately is the key to our sport. Our Vision Section has lots of information to help all shooters who have vision problems, great or small.

Funding Guidance & Information

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Need information on funding for any aspect of disabled target shooting?  Check out the extensive Funding section on this site. 

Advice for Clubs

EFDS Inclusion Hub is a free on-line resource created by the English Federation of Disability Sport for clubs that wish to become more disabled-friendly and include more disabled people in their activities.
More information

Disability Awareness

For those encountering people who have various types of disabilities, we offer a round-up of some on-line advice and videos that may help to put everyone at their ease.