Understanding leisure services for individuals with mental retardation

This paper was developed to promote understanding of the complex process of leisure service delivery for children and adults with mental retardation and encourage people to work together to enhance leisure opportunities in integrated settings. The meaning of several terms associated with leisure were clarified and limitations of past and existing leisure services presented. We discussed our belief that all individuals, including those with mental retardation, have the right to experience leisure. Suggestions were made for development of leisure services involving social integration with peers who do not have mental retardation, the facilitation of active participation, development of age-appropriate behaviors, provision of comprehensive leisure education services, encouragement of self-determined leisure participation, and systematic coordination and communication among practitioners and family members.