Leisure is one of our crucial needs. We know it in three basic forms: resting, entertaining and personality developing. Ways of spending leisure time are influenced by many factors, such as: family, school, environment, self-esteem, age, etc. We classify students with physical disabilities and students with intellectual disabilities as students with special needs. Students with physical disabilities have genetic or acquired mobility impairment or defect of central or peripheral nervous system. There are four known types of physical disability: mild, moderate, severe and profound physical disability. Students with intellectual disabilities have limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. There are also four known types of intellectual disability: mild, moderate, severe and profound intellectual disability.
Students with physical disabilities have problems with spending their leisure time actively because of their disability, especially because they cannot participate in all leisure activities that they want. Problems are even more complex if the student has physical and intellectual disabilities. That influences organizing and taking part in different activities, which is why students with multiple disabilities need much support and encouragement in spending their leisure time.
On the sample of 51 students with different types of physical and intellectual disabilities we wanted to get an insight into how they spend their leisure time. We wanted to know what influences their leisure spending, how they are satisfied with their leisure and who they spend it with. Data was collected via a questionnaire.
The results have shown us that the most popular extracurricular activities were different sport activities, followed by handicrafts and music activities. Statistically, the most important factors in choosing the extracurricular activity are age (younger students tend to choose handicrafts) and physical disability (the more the physical disability is severe, the less students choose sport activities). In their leisure, students mostly choose informal activities. Media (TV, computer, music) is the most common leisure activity, while many students also choose different activities outside.
The differences between spending leisure time during the week and weekend are minute, except that at the weekend more students spend their leisure time with friends or they get visitors.
Statistically, only age influences the choice of leisure activities: younger students tend to play more in their leisure time. Students spend their leisure time mostly alone or with their family. The majority of students decide for themselves what they will do in their leisure time. Some students have problems with that and need help, which is provided by their parents.
Based on the results, we structured guidelines, recommendations for teachers, parents for helping students with physical and intellectual disabilities.
In conclusion, it is important that we help those students spend their leisure time occupied with activities that they love as in that way we are also influencing their quality of life.
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