“I have chosen to live life abundantly”: Perceptions of leisure by adults who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication

TLDR

An online focus group explored how eight adults with cerebral palsy who use AAC systems perceive recreation and leisure. Participants identified six benefits of leisure (physical health, enjoyment, mental health, independence, social connections, societal education), nine barriers (personal, social, communication, technology, financial, accessibility, safety, transportation, personal care attendants), and six supports (personal, social, family, personal care attendants, AAC devices, other assistive technologies), and offered recommendations for AAC users, families, and service providers.

Abstract

An online focus group was used to investigate perceptions of eight adults with cerebral palsy who used AAC systems about their recreation activities and leisure experiences. Six themes emerged from discussions on benefits of leisure and community recreation: improved physical health, enjoyment, improved mental health, increased independence, enhanced social connections, and education of society. Nine barriers to leisure participation were identified including: personal, social, communication, technology, financial, accessibility, safety, transportation, and personal care attendants. Despite numerous barriers to leisure, participants described six supports that helped them overcome these barriers: personal, social, family, personal care attendants, AAC devices, and other assistive technologies. Participants provided recommendations for other individuals who use AAC, their families, and service providers.