ZASTUPLJENOST SPORTSKIH I KULTURNOUMETNIČKIH AKTIVNOSTI U SLOBODNOM VREMENU OSOBA SA INTELEKTUALNIM SMETNJAMA

This article presents the results of an empirical research that aimed to examine and analyze the representation of sports and cultural and artistic activities in the leisure time of persons with intellectual disabilities. A total of 85 people with intellectual disabilities participated, aged 14 to 45. A descriptive survey method and interviewing technique were used for the purposes of this research. The analyzed results show that people with intellectual disabilities spend most of their leisure time listening to music and watching television. Sports and cultural and artistic activities are present in the leisure time of this population, but there is a very low level of participation of persons with intellectual disabilities in sports and cultural and artistic activities with persons of typical development. Also, the obtained results show that the most common reasons for non-inclusion are fear of discrimination and stigmatization, lack of financial resources, while a third of respondents stated that the opportunity was never given to persons with intellectual disabilities to participate in cultural and artistic activities together with persons of the typical population. Leisure activities are a unique opportunity through which it is possible to develop the respect and acceptance of the diversity of persons with intellectual disabilities by those with typical development. The leisure time of persons with intellectual disabilities should be given considerable attention and provide them with greater access to sports and cultural and artistic activities so that they can spend their leisure time productively and with good quality.