Circus ‘C’: An Innovative Approach to Leisure for People with Disabilities

Abstract

The concept of inclusivity is constantly discussed by a range of stakeholders from strategic to operational levels within arenas such as sport, tourism, the arts and leisure, often without any concrete understanding of the outcomes of such practices. The widest possible access to leisure for all likely participants is now the expectation by society at large and not just an ideal propounded by advocacy groups and people with disabilities. The challenge to operationalise these ideals into successful leisure programs is addressed in this paper through a case-study of a circus program that is creative, innovative and inclusive. The case study reports findings from a program designed for children with intellectual and/or mobility disabilities. It presents the use of circus as a leisure and learning program, developed in an education support unit. The program has had positive outcomes in a range of learning areas relating to cognitive, physical and affective attributes. These achievements include enhanced communication and physical skills, improved self-esteem and self-confidence and positive changes in behaviour patterns. Many of the skills developed relate to lifelong leisure skills learning. These findings are significant for people with disabilities, given the limited supply of leisure opportunities for this and other sectors of the community due to constraints in government, not-for-profit and commercial programs.