Get Set Be the Change
Brought to you by ParalympicsGB, this free programme for KS1 and KS2 pupils, aged 5-11, helps children explore disability, inclusion and belonging through engaging classroom resources, a creative competition and powerful stories from Paralympians
Understanding the Social Model of Disability
Disability isn’t just about a person’s condition. The Medical Model of disability focuses on the individual and their impairment. Whereas the Social Model shifts the focus to society and the barriers it creates.
In other words, it’s not a person’s conditions that disable them — but the world around them. Barriers can include inaccessible buildings, a lack of suitable information, or negative attitudes and assumptions.
Get Set Be the Change champions the Social Model and brings it to life through our exciting new Lion Class animated stories.
Inspired by the real-life experiences of young people with a range of disabilities, these engaging, relatable stories bring everyday moments to life through the Lion Class characters.
Alongside videos featuring Paralympians, they help pupils explore disability in a positive and age-appropriate way — recognising barriers, challenging assumptions and discovering how we can all help create a more inclusive world.
Inspire your pupils to be role models with Be the Change!
Every young person deserves to feel included, valued and able to participate fully in school, sport and society.
Created by ParalympicsGB, Be the Change helps pupils aged 5–11 understand disability through the Social Model of Disability. Through Paralympian stories, Lion Class animations and engaging classroom activities, pupils explore the barriers that can affect participation and discover how everyday actions can help create more inclusive environments.
Through inspiring stories and practical activities, pupils will:
- Explore disability through the Social Model of Disability
- Understand how barriers can affect participation and inclusion
- Learn from the experiences of Paralymians
- Develop empathy, understanding and respect for others
- Challenge stereotypes and assumptions about disability
- Identify ways they can help make school and society more inclusive
What resources are included?
The free Be the Change programme includes:
- 5 Lion Class animated stories, inspired by the real-life experiences of young people with a range of disabilities
- KS1 and KS2 lesson presentations and accompanying activity sheets, tailored to each age group
- A creative competition with fantastic prizes, including an in-person workshop at your school by a disabled Illustrator.
- A comprehensive Teacher Guide, providing classroom tips to help you lead confident conversations around disability.
Teacher Guidance
Our research shows that talking about disability can sometimes feel daunting, particularly when teachers are concerned about using the right language or answering questions confidently.
Our Teacher Guide is designed to help. It provides background information, practical advice and classroom tips to support positive, meaningful conversations about disability.
Learning Resources
From engaging Lion Class animations to ready-to-use lessons and creative activities, Be the Change gives pupils the tools to explore disability, challenge barriers and create positive change.
Children can also enter our creative competition for the chance to have their story illustrated and published in a limited-edition book, while their school or community organisation wins a workshop led by Paralympic gold meadalist and illustrator, Sophie Kamlish!
About ParalympicsGB
ParalympicsGB believes sport can change lives. Through Be the Change, we’re helping the next generation build a more inclusive future by learning from the experiences of disabled people and Paralympians. By exploring disability through the Social Model of Disability, pupils are encouraged to recognise barriers, challenge assumptions and understand how small actions can make a positive difference in their schools, communities and beyond.