Results of a leisure education program demonstrated that individuals with severe mental retardation could acquire age-appropriate leisure skills to use independently a neighborhood center; access a neighborhood recreation center in the absence of the residential care provider; and partially, but effectively, interact with agency staff concerning…

This paper clarifies terms associated with leisure service delivery for children and adults with mental retardation; outlines limitations of past and existing leisure services; and suggests the development of leisure services that involve social integration, active participation, development of age-appropriate behaviors, self-determination, and…

The importance of leisure education for severely disabled students is emphasized as a means of enabling them to purposefully use leisure time and to expand social and motor skills that facilitate independent daily living. Sample activities for inclusion in physical education programs are included. (DG)

This study explored effects of social levels of play (isolate, dyadic, group, and team) on play behavior of autistic children in a leisure education/adapted physical education program with nondisabled peers. Findings indicate that structured integrated activities involving higher levels of social play elicit a higher frequency of appropriate play…

Nine second-grade children with moderate to severe mental retardation were grouped with 27 nonhandicapped peers in a leisure activity which included gallery viewing of visual art and studio opportunities to manipulate art materials. Handicapped participants' social behaviors and interactions were analyzed, and attitudes of nonhandicapped peers…