LEISURE OF WORKERS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES

Abstract

Introduction: Access to leisure is essential for the social inclusion of people with disabilities and for participation in motivating activities outside of work. However, workers with disabilities may face barriers that hinder their engagement in leisure. Objective: To investigate the leisure of workers with physical disabilities. Method: This is a qualitative, cross-sectional, descriptive study using a sociodemographic questionnaire and a semi-structured interview with 23 employees of a Specialized Rehabilitation Center in the state of Goiás with physical disabilities. Results and Discussions: Four thematic analyses were categorized: a) leisure choices and practices; b) “first the obligation, then the fun”: time of the working adult;
c) meanings attributed to leisure; d) barriers to participation in leisure. The categories revealed a varied leisure repertoire, being associated with external activities. Work and personal demands occupy a significant period of daily life, impacting the time available for leisure. Architectural, urban and attitudinal barriers were mentioned as limiting leisure participation. Final Considerations: The research demonstrated the relevance of leisure for the balance of daily life and for the physical, psychological and social well-being of the worker, however it highlights the urgency of concrete actions to create more accessible environments for people with physical disabilities.