Riding for the Disabled Association
Jessica Cook is an experienced professional in the field of disability inclusion and sports development. Currently serving as Disability Equalities Lead at Riding for the Disabled Association since April 2024, Jessica is a subject matter expert and advocates for disabled participants in equestrian activities. As a board member of the British Gymnastics Foundation since October 2021, Jessica focuses on inclusion initiatives. A career at Activity Alliance spanned from May 2007 to April 2024, progressing from Regional Development Manager to National Partnership Advisor, emphasizing inclusive sport provision. Jessica has also contributed as a board member for British Equestrian and Riding for the Disabled Association, with responsibilities related to equality, diversity, and disability knowledge. Additional roles include trustee positions at LimbPower and disAbility Cornwall & Isles of Scilly, where Jessica promoted sport participation for disabled individuals. An educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Sports Science from the University of Worcester, complemented by earlier studies in sports.
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Riding for the Disabled Association
RDA is a UK based national charity that provides opportunities for people with disabilities to get meaningful and lasting therapy and health benefits from riding and carriage driving. A key part of the work is also to recognise and celebrate the achievenent of the participants and this lead to success from small steps forweard to going all the way to winning a Paralympic Gold medal. We work through a network of 500 centres acorss the UK and rely on the input of volunteers at all of these centres. Over 30,000 people of all ages currently benefit from the activity, but we know that for each of these people there are about another 4 people on a waiting list. We are desperately trying to change this and although we have expanded by a third since 2009, we need more suppport and more volunteers to make this change. We need volunteers of all backgrounds and with a variety of skills - not only those with experience of horses. Whatever you do, we'll provide all the training and suppport you need. If you want to talk through some of the options, get in touch. Go on! Get involved and help make a massive change to someone's life.