Assessment Of Self-Expressıon Levels Of Indıvıduals Wıth Intellectual Dısabılıtıes Partıcıpatıng In Recreatıonal Actıvıtıes

Abstract

The aim of this study is to assess the self-expression levels of individuals with intellectual disabilities who participate in recreational activities. The study was conducted with 23 individuals with intellectual disabilities participating in programs organized by the Malatya Down Syndrome Association. Participants were regularly involved in social, artistic, and entertaining activities such as musical games, singing, drawing, and “handkerchief catching” twice a month over a period of four months. A semi-structured interview technique, one of the qualitative research methods, was employed in the study, and data regarding the participants’ developmental processes were collected through face-to-face interviews with their families. The findings from the interviews revealed that recreational activities improve individuals’ social communication skills, help them share their emotions more openly, and foster self-confidence in self-expression. Additionally, observations by the families indicated that these improvements were not limited to the activity environment but were also reflected in daily life practices. In conclusion, recreational activities are considered an important tool for enhancing social participation and quality of life among individuals with intellectual disabilities.