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Creating a Culture of Social Inclusion through Sustainable Leisure Services
Creating a Culture of Social Inclusion through Sustainable Leisure Services
Thursday, 19 July 2018: 08:30-10:20
Location: 201D (MTCC NORTH BUILDING)
RC13 Sociology of Leisure (host committee) Language: English
The American Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990 was the stimulus which launched the movement of leisure service providers to make available resources and services to people with disabilities. It is not surprising to note that the parks and recreation professional who have always been concerned for the wellbeing of all people, are well positioned at local government level, to examine leisure practices. Leisure service agencies provide satisfying inclusive experiences to improve happiness and quality of life. Inclusion is underpinned by the philosophy where people with disabilities have access to the same opportunities and choices to fully engage with their peers in age appropriate activities throughout their lifespan, in all community settings and together with people who do not have disabilities. Community engagement within positive leisure spaces designed to serve all people, encourage stronger bonds, respect and integration into society. The World Health Organisation (2011), declared that every person had a right to pursue happiness including the human right to engage in leisure activities (UN Charter, 1945). According to Devine (2013), the challenge for park and recreation agencies, is to view leisure services as a way to address social justice for people with disabilities. Changing the way leisure services are delivered in the future to achieve social justice, takes into consideration, the planning and implementation to remove barriers to participation. Presentations are invited from diverse sectors to share their inclusive and equitable strategies for improved leisure service delivery to remove barriers to participation for people with disabilities.
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Oral Presentations