Leisure-related peer preference choices of individuals with Down syndrome

Although full participation in community life should be available to all individuals with mental retardation, some may prefer segregated participation in selected activities. Freedom of choice is particularly important in leisure activities. In this exploratory study we investigated whether individuals with Down syndrome would prefer to participate in bowling with other people who had Down syndrome or with people who had no apparent mental retardation. Structured interviews, in conjunction with videotapes of two bowling groups, revealed that 15 of the 21 adult subjects preferred to bowl with others who had Down syndrome. If either segregated or integrated activities are denied to adults with mental retardation, their opportunities for experiencing the benefits of freely chosen leisure participation are also systematically denied.