Leisure, Work, and Disability Coping: “I Mean, You Always Need That ‘In’ Group”

Abstract

This study explored the roles of leisure in the lives of employed people with mobility impairments due to physical disabilities. Clark's (2000) work/family border theory served as the primary theoretical framework for this investigation. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews with eight individuals generated insightful findings related to identity, leisure, disability coping, and the work-life balance of individuals with disabilities. The study highlights the contributions of leisure in managing and coping with disability as well as participants’ changing leisure lifestyles which, in some instances, led them to seek peers with disabilities as leisure companions. Implications for leisure programmers are also addressed.

Keywords:

• disability coping
• identity, leisure
• work-life balance