Leisure Participation of Taiwanese Families Raising Children with Developmental Delays and Disabilities

Leisure participation is vital for children's development and family inclusion, yet families of children with developmental delays and disabilities face significant barriers. Guided by a health literacy framework, this study examined how personal and organizational health literacy shape access to inclusive leisure opportunities.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 caregivers of young children (aged 2 to 6 years) with developmental delays and disabilities. A qualitative content analysis was applied to identify family and environmental factors shaping leisure participation.

Families with stronger personal health literacy engaged in diverse leisure activities, prioritizing children's development through park visits and structured home routines. In contrast, weak organizational health literacy-reflected in limited inclusive facilities and support systems-restricted opportunities, increased caregiver stress, and forced adaptations such as traveling farther or rescheduling activities. These barriers underscored families' vulnerability to exclusion while also highlighting their resilience in navigating daily life.

This study demonstrates that health literacy functions at both personal and organizational levels to shape leisure participation. Beyond identifying barriers, it shows that leisure is intertwined with developmental needs and school readiness. By applying a health literacy lens, the study contributes to understanding family dynamics in inclusive leisure and underscores the need for responsive community services and inclusive policies.