Recreation Patterns of Adults With Intellectual Disabilities

This study investigated the recreation patterns of persons with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities aged 18-35 years. Personal interviews using a structured questionnaire asked about the nature and location of recreation activities, or unconstrained recreation activities, and the reasons for the differences between present and ideal recreation activities. Results showed that the respondents participated in home-based recreation only 10% more frequently than in community-based recreation. Differences between actual and ideal recreation patterns were attributed to negative attitudes on behalf of the community at large, lack of availability due to distance and transport, skill deficiencies, financial constraints and lack of opportunity.