*WINNER* Special Education Teachers’ Perspectives on Leisure Activities Participation by Adults with Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

Leisure activities refer to the voluntary use of one’s free time to participate in desired activities during an individuals’ unobligated time. Such activities provide an opportunity for individuals with developmental disabilities to build relationships, gain skills, and develop competencies that are prerequisites for successful integration into the general public. Current literature shows that individuals with developmental disabilities have limited access to leisure activity participation. The purpose of the study is to understand from the perceptions and experiences of special education teachers how forces influence participation by adults with developmental disabilities in leisure activities. Identifying these forces could help policymakers to provide appropriate interventions to enable individuals with developmental disabilities to participate in leisure activities.