El ocio desde la autopercepción de las personas con discapacidad

Abstract

Despite the increasing visibility of people with disability in the public sphere, barriers remain that limit their full participation in social and cultural life. This study analyses the relationship between disability, self-perception, and leisure based on socio-health factors that impact on the daily experiences of autonomy and dependence of people with disabilities. The research consisted of a mixed-method study of 68 people aged 18-65, resident in different regions of Uruguay. Participants were requested to complete the Autonomy and Dependency Profile (PAD) online, and were divided into two groups: people with disability (“Participants”) and caregivers or family members (“Referents”). The analysis combined descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis of the respondents’ open-ended answers. The results show that perceptions of health and dependency do not always correspond to the number or type of functional limitations, highlighting the complexity of the link between physical condition and subjective well-being. Likewise, women reported higher levels of dependency, but also a more positive self-perception of health. In relation to leisure, most participants expressed an interest and desire to engage in recreational activities, although they face structural and social barriers that restrict their participation, with building accessibility mentioned most frequently. The study highlights the importance of who responds in self-perception-based research, given that the participation of caregivers can alter perceptions of autonomy, well-being, and enjoyment of leisure. Taken together, the findings provide empirical evidence of leisure as a situated and conditional experience, and underscore the need for intersectoral policies that recognize the diversity of disability experience and promote accessible environments in which to exercise the right to leisure.

Sixty-eight people between the ages of 18 and 65, residing in different regions of the country, participated. They completed the Autonomy and Dependency Profile (PAD) online. Two groups of respondents were divided: people with disabilities ("Participants") and caregivers or family members ("Referents").

The results show that perceptions of health and dependency do not always correspond to the number or type of functional limitations, revealing the complexity of the link between physical condition and subjective well-being. Furthermore, it was observed that women report higher levels of dependency, but also a more positive self-perception of health. Regarding leisure activities, most participants expressed interest and desire to engage in recreational activities, although they faced structural and social barriers, with building accessibility being the most frequently mentioned.

It is concluded that studies on disability and leisure should consider the voices of caregivers, as their participation can alter the interpretation of autonomy and enjoyment. Inclusion policies, for their part, require intersectoral strategies that recognize the diversity of experiences and promote accessible environments for the full exercise of the right to leisure.