Community Members with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities Engage in Photovoice to Explore and Increase Inclusion in Community Recreation

Abstract

This study explored the community recreation experiences of young adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) using a community-based participatory action research method, known as photovoice. Individuals with IDD often experience physical, social, and attitudinal barriers to participation in community recreation. Exclusion contributes to poor physical health, social isolation, and reduced quality of life. Inclusive recreation can not only improve physical and mental health outcomes for individuals with IDD, but can also increase social inclusion and community cohesion. However, individuals with IDD have historically lacked opportunities to voice their needs and advocate for changes in their communities. Through a partnership with an inclusive postsecondary education program in the southeastern United States, six young adult self-advocates participated as co-researchers in a photovoice project to capture and share their experiences and ideas for improving community recreation. Participants identified six key themes: enjoying exercise and being active, the need for more programs with trained instructors, making recreation more social, designing more adult-friendly spaces, opportunities to work or volunteer within recreation settings, and implementing more accommodations and accessibility strategies. Findings highlighted the importance of choice, autonomy, and social connection in recreation participation for individuals with IDD. The self-advocates described the importance of having welcoming spaces, activities designed for adults, and opportunities to build friendships. They also stressed the need for trained staff and multidimensional accessibility, including physical, procedural, and social accessibility to create truly inclusive programs and spaces. The community exhibition lead to significant local engagement, including partnership with a local parks and recreation department, local businesses, and cultural organizations. Concrete action steps included a grant proposal to improve park accessibility and multiple public displays of the photovoice exhibition, which continued to fostered dialogue with community leaders and residents. This study demonstrates that photovoice is an effective tool to empower individuals with IDD to exercise self-determination, share their stories, and actively shape community policies and practices. The outcomes emphasize the need for inclusive, person-centered approaches in community recreation that promote health, wellbeing, social inclusion, and belonging for individuals with IDD, which can ultimately benefit both individuals and the broader community.