La inclusión en ocio de la ciudadanía como factor de desarrollo personal y promoción de la calidad de vida

Abstract

The leisure of all individuals should have the same characteristics, as the value of leisure experiences is crucial for holistic human development and personal and social well-being. Inclusion recognizes that everyone has the right to participate from a position of equality and respect for diversity. Therefore, the field of leisure should provide diverse experiences in different settings, allowing the community to access and participate in them. It is worth noting that, on the one hand, leisure is advocated as a right and a vital experience for individuals, but on the other hand, access to leisure experiences is not guaranteed for everyone in the same way. Given this somewhat contradictory situation, it is necessary to establish principles to generate tools and design policies that enable the translation of the theoretical conception of leisure into everyday practice. Public and private entities manage numerous services and programs to meet the needs of all users. Although significant progress has been made, it is important to acknowledge that the majority of leisure activities in which certain groups participate occur within the framework of leisure services developed by associations or organizations. These entities work in favor of each group within the programs they offer to their users, aiming to meet their needs by promoting cultural, sports, tourism, and recreational activities that enable leisure experiences. The current scenario includes specific leisure programs for population groups at risk of exclusion, incorporating inclusive elements. Presently, community-based organizations attach great importance to the use of community resources, self-management of people with disabilities in relation to leisure, the need for professionalizing leisure services, and universal accessibility to leisure environments. The characteristics of innovative experiences developed from an inclusive perspective involve achieving significant community impact, starting from the development of strategic alliances, the establishment of a support system, social participation (with citizens occupying their space and performing valued social roles), and improving the quality of life for individuals in both objective and subjective living conditions. An inclusive community is one that can create the appropriate conditions to meet the needs of all citizens in the various services and programs developed across different types of facilities. Advancing towards a society for all requires implementing strategies to help professionals develop work and management methods that foster the full participation of users, offering opportunities to consider new possibilities and supporting experimentation and reflection among professionals.