Community-based programming for families and children with disabilities

Abstract

Leisure and recreation are known to positively impact families and children with disabilities. Leisure is defined as an activity that participants take part in when they are free from the demands of other responsibilities. However, opportunities for individuals with disabilities to take part in leisure activities in the community can be limited. The purpose of this research is to explore the experiences of families and children with disabilities in community recreation programming. To obtain participants’ perspectives the study was done using a constructivist viewpoint, and a qualitative descriptive design. Data were collected from four families using both one-on-one interviewing and larger connection groups. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. Three main themes were identified as the largest barriers to inclusion: attitudes, opportunities, and acceptance. Participants experienced barriers based on the views of other attendees, their caregivers, their self-doubts, and their coaches. The participants expressed the need for intervention and expressed how assistance in accessing community-based recreation could reduce these barriers. Keywords: disability, inclusion, family, acceptance, opportunity, attitudes.