People with disabilities face numerous challenges in recreation participation than people without disabilities despite the evidence that participation in recreation promotes well-being, helps in personality development, and builds self-confidence and independence.
The challenges experienced include limited access to facilities, lack of appropriate adapted equipment, lack of individualised support services, and unavailability of leisure education.
Generally, people with disabilities lack the experience and exposure, depending on whether they acquired the disability at birth or later in life.
There is a lack of understanding on how to include people with disabilities in recreation facilities and leisure.
Article 30, of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities emphasises the importance of participating in cultural life, leisure, and recreation by people with disabilities.
This entails enjoying access to cultural material, television programmes and theatre activities in accessible formats and enjoying museums, tourism services and monuments among others.
Therefore, the necessary measures should be taken to the greatest extent possible for people with disabilities to make choices and participate in recreational activities on an equal basis as others.
The negative attitudes and perceptions of family and society have hindered the participation of people with disabilities in recreation and leisure.
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Stigma and discrimination have significantly affected the participation of people with disabilities in recreational activities.
Discrimination has led to limited access to recreational facilities and programmes and persistent stigma has led to low esteem discouraging any attempt to participate.
Negative stereotypes have led to misconceptions about the capabilities of individuals with disabilities influencing their involvement.
People with learning disabilities have been largely exposed as doubts have been raised on whether they can benefit from social activities.
For example, a person with autism has difficulty in achieving and facing social contact and may exhibit problems with verbal or non-verbal communication.
Very little research has been conducted to explore and gather evidence on how the various forms of disability can be supported in making choices for leisure and recreation.
Understanding potential barriers and facilitators that hinder the participation of people with disabilities in recreation, can provide the necessary information required to make recreational facilities and activities accessible.
Historically accessibility to public places has limited the potential of people with disabilities to engage in social and recreational activities.
For example, wheelchair users may face challenges accessing recreational and leisure facilities due to no ramps or steep ramps, poor travel surfaces, inaccessible doors among other issues.
Access is not only about wheelchair users but accommodating the diverse impairments.
Lack of accessible information can affect the social life of a person with a disability, creating a barrier to independence and enjoyment.
In addition, mobility and transport challenges are a major constraint limiting participation.
People with mobility challenges are less likely to participate in recreational activities considering the challenges they experience in traveling.
Family members and caregivers have a role to play in recreation patterns and participation of a person with a disability.
However, the challenge has been that other needs present significant obligations and recreation is not prioritised.
Some family members are overprotective due to lack of information, and they are afraid of potential injury that a person with a disability might encounter if they participate in recreational activities.
People with disabilities are more likely to live in low-income households and experience poverty and will not prioritise recreation.
The focus is on essentials for daily living such as food and clothing even though we know that a full life is made up of more than basics.
Recommendations
Facilities providing recreation activities should increase awareness on access requirements, extend disability awareness and education to professionals in the entertainment and leisure industry, empower organisations to champion disability inclusion and ensure facilities are fit for purpose.
There is no one size fits all therefore, it is important to offer a wide range of recreation opportunities or to modify or adapt the activities to meet the diverse needs of people with disabilities.
In addition, the training of people with disabilities on the appropriate use of leisure time should be considered.
Facilities should allow flexible participation considering individual preferences and abilities to promote a supportive environment.
Public facilities should aim to offer barrier free recreation opportunities however, the exclusion gap has been widened by the lack of financing to facilitate accessible environments and facilities.
An accessible environment encompasses accessible venues, adaptive equipment, and inclusive activities.
Staff in recreation facilities have limited knowledge and awareness on disability, therefore it is important to raise awareness on disability inclusion and challenge misconceptions.
Staff members should also be trained on how to interact with people with disabilities.
It is important to engage people with disabilities to understand the individual needs and promote an environment that accommodates diverse abilities and regular feedback is necessary to allow continuous improvement.
Recreational information can be made accessible by providing alternative formats such as braille or digital versions.
It is important to ensure that websites offering promotional material align to the accessibility standards.
Information on recreational facilities and activities can be provided in multiple languages and making use of alternative communication channels to reach the diverse audience.
People with sensory and cognitive disabilities should not be left behind.
Therefore, communication should be simple, clear, and consistent.
Where possible, structured programs can be designed, and adaptive equipment provided to support specific needs.
Through providing support and emphasising the positive impact of recreation, families can become advocates for the participation of people with disabilities in recreational activities.
To address some of the concerns by family members and caregivers in supporting recreation for people with disabilities, information should be provided about the benefits of recreational activities for individuals with disabilities.
Resources and information about available programs, support services and adaptive equipment should be shared.
Organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) play a crucial in promoting recreation through raising awareness on accessibility standards, sharing knowledge on diverse impairments, and advocating for inclusive policies that ensure equal opportunities for participation.
As outlined in the National Disability Policy, infrastructure accessibility should be prioritised to ensure that public spaces, parks and recreational facilities are accessible to people with disabilities.
Socialisation and recreation are key components of everyday life and people with disabilities should not be left behind.
Ultimately, recreational facilities should create an environment that values diversity and actively seeks to include everyone.
In order to achieve this goal, government, organisations of persons with disabilities and private sector should collaborate and adopt an inclusive approach that fosters equal opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in recreational activities.
*Tigere is a development practitioner and writes in her personal capacity.
These weekly articles are coordinated by Lovemore Kadenge, an independent consultant, managing consultant of Zawale Consultants (Private) Limited, past president of the Zimbabwe Economics Society and past president of the Chartered Governance and Accountancy Institute in Zimbabwe. Email- kadenge.zes@gmail.com or Mobile No. +263 772 382 852
