Disability Challengers enables disabled children to take an active role in society by providing them with the opportunity to challenge their impairments in safe and vibrant environments. They do this by providing play and leisure projects which encourage the development of skills such as communication, co-ordination and confidence, as well as social development. These vital skills learnt in early childhood play are integral in adult life.

Disability Challengers aim to empower families to overcome the social exclusion they experience, and through play and leisure schemes enable disabled children to experience a ‘normal’ childhood.

The projects support disabled children and young people with any range of impairments. They are user led and run at the high pressure times when families have said they need the most support, such as the school holidays.

Disability Challengers has grown since its creation in 1979 and now operates two full time Playcentres and three Youthcentres in Surrey, as well as operating satellite schemes across the county. Although their main provision is in Surrey, they have recently expanded into Hampshire in response to the demand they face for their services.

During 2011, Disability Challengers provided services to over 1,300 families with disabled children who crave support and a short-break, and in April last year this was recognised by a Big Society Award from the Prime Minister, David Cameron.

In April 2010, the Trustees of the Barbara Ward Children’s Foundation awarded Disability Challengers a grant of £20,000 over two years to provide 720 sessions in their Multi-Sensory Suites. Some of these Suites had been previously funded and installed with support from the Barbara Ward Children’s Foundation.