Flourishing through leisure: An inclusive, ecological, and strengths-based approach

Abstract

Leisure plays an important role in helping people achieve inclusion in their communities, is a source of well-being for many people, and is a powerful force for positive change in a person’s life. Most importantly, leisure provides opportunities for social relationships, a key contributor to happiness. Belonging to valued social groups is an important outcome for all people, but especially for people with disabilities, who have been historically excluded or marginalized. This article describes a practice model used in therapeutic recreation called the Flourishing through Leisure Model: An Ecological Extension of the Leisure and Well-Being Model. In particular, one aspect of the model, inclusive leisure as an important outcome, is highlighted. The Flourishing through Leisure Model can help guide practitioners as they work to facilitate inclusive leisure experiences that can lead to a flourishing life.