“Being a ‘Doer’ Instead of a ‘Viewer’”: The Role of Inclusive Leisure Contexts in Determining Social Acceptance for People with Disabilities

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to conduct an in-depth examination of the perceptions of people with disabilities on social acceptance and inclusive leisure contexts. Specifically, this study explored the role of leisure contexts in determining social acceptance for individuals with disabilities participating in inclusive recreation programs. Individuals with disabilities (n = 14) who were enrolled in inclusive leisure programs were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Using constant comparative methods to analyze data, three categories identified, (a) connector (bridging barriers), (b) distancer (emphasizing differences), and (c) neutralizer (ambivalence toward inclusion). These findings are important as they appear to reflect a microcosm of society relative to inclusion values, norms, and practices.

KEYWORDS:

• Social construction theory
• disability
• context
• inclusion