Serious leisure and people with intellectual disabilities: benefits and opportunities

Abstract

Can people with intellectual disabilities use serious leisure activities in a similar context to people without disabilities as a substitute for their paid work? In the past, western societies have tended to devalue people with disabilities, and as a consequence they were less likely to have valued social roles through paid work. However, for many people with disabilities, serious leisure should be valued as it encourages active participation in either formal group structures, or informal networks of devotees, for the sharing of common leisure interests as an amateur, hobbyist or volunteer. This study has used a qualitative methodology incorporating semi-structured interviews with a small purposive sample of adults with disabilities who were living independently in the community. They were selected as prospective respondents by key staff in several disability service agencies in Brisbane, Australia, because of their successful participation in community-based leisure activities that were classified as 'serious'. The results of this study found that people with disabilities have the ability to participate in serious leisure activities and to successfully engage at such a level so as to enable them to develop increased levels of confidence, skills and selfesteem.

Leisure and health benefits among Korean adolescents with visual impairments

“…Leisure scholars have suggested that individuals with disabilities and/or illnesses use leisure as a way of fostering social inclusion and coping with stress (Kim, Kim, Heo, & Lee, 2015; Patterson & Pegg, 2009). By participating in various types of leisure activities, individuals with disabilities and/or illnesses mastered their leisure skills, attained positive self-image, and improved their self-expression skills (Peterson et al, 2008; Reynolds, 1997; Rubin, 2005).…”

Examination of the Serious Leisure, Leisure Satisfaction and Quality of Life of People With Physical Disabilities

“…Feelings of accomplishment, enhancement of satisfaction (Stebbins 1998(Stebbins , 2000, work career (Patterson, 1997), contribution to social inclusion (Patterson, 2001), development of self-confidence, self-esteem (Patterson, 2000;Patterson and Pegg, 2009), self-determination and skill level of sport (Heo et al, 2008) are provided by serious leisure for people with disabilities. Patterson (2000) conducted a case study to interview three people with intellectual disabilities who are participating in serious leisure activities.…”

“…The results showed that serious leisure was significantly associated with self-determination, intrapersonal and structural constraints and skill level of sport. Patterson and Pegg (2009) used a qualitative approach conducting semi-structured interviews with 10 people with intellectual disabilities who engaged in community-based leisure activities that can be classified as serious leisure activities. This study demonstrated that serious leisure involvement helps individuals to develop self-esteem and self-confidence, and to increase social competencies and skills in community settings.…”

“…While the contribution of serious leisure participation on quality of life and leisure satisfaction is well documented for individuals without disabilities, serious leisure for the people with disabilities has been largely neglected. Stebbins (1998Stebbins ( , 2000, Patterson (1997Patterson ( , 2000Patterson ( , 2001 and Patterson and Pegg (2009) encouraged research to apply serious leisure to people with disabilities to better understand the benefits of serious leisure for them. This study is an initial exploration of the different types of serious leisure groups with people with physical disabilities and their differences regarding leisure satisfaction and quality of life.…”

Special Educational Needs, Social Risk And Self-Concept: A Proposal For Socio-Educational Intervention

“…Recreational and free time activities have been considered very important in the development and functionality of people with disabilities because they increase meaningful learning opportunities, improve self-confidence, develop abilities, well-being and quality, enhancing participation and inclusion in the social contexts of life (Aitchison, 2003;Patterson & Pegg, 2009). …”