Leisure programme trends and shifts amidst the COVID-19 pandemic for adults with disabilities in the City of Cape Town municipality townships, South Africa

Abstract

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic brought significant disruptions to people’s lives and livelihoods. These disruptions led to changes in people’s mobility, leisure choices and preferences. The need to understand the shifts and emerging trends in leisure programmes for people with disabilities is particularly important in South Africa, where lockdown measures were considered among the strictest and most restrictive. Objectives: The current study aimed to explore and describe the trends and shifts in leisure programmes for people with disabilities during and after the COVID-19 pandemic in the Western Cape. Method: The study adopted a descriptive qualitative research approach and utilised semi-structured, open-ended interviews with 12 adults with disabilities. Data were collected until saturation was achieved, and thematic analysis was employed to analyse the data. In accordance with ethics standards, approval was obtained from the University of the Western Cape’s Humanities and Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee. Results: The key findings revealed five main themes that highlight the disparities experienced by people with disabilities. There was a clear indication that people with disabilities long for leisure participation; however, major barriers need to be broken to ensure smooth participation. People with disabilities still have a strong desire to be involved in leisure programmes, despite being excluded from mainstream activities in their communities. Conclusion: In conclusion, there is a need for united efforts to ensure that resources are allocated properly, especially during pandemics, given the unique circumstances of people with disabilities. Contribution: The present study contributes to the literature by emphasising the importance of advocacy for people with disabilities, especially in unprecedented times.