Fundación ONCE report finds inclusion gaps in Spanish municipal leisure

A study by Fundación ONCE titled ‘Ocio accesible e inclusivo en la infancia y adolescencia con discapacidad’ reveals significant gaps in the social integration of children and adolescents with disabilities in Spanish municipal leisure programs.

While 51.7% of minors with disabilities participate in municipal activities in cities including Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Sevilla, Zaragoza, and Málaga, formal access does not equate to true inclusion. Only 46% of participants feel integrated with their peers, and only 40% establish regular social relationships with other participants.

The report highlights a disparity based on support needs: 65% of those requiring occasional support participate in activities, compared to only 34.9% of those requiring intensive support. Additionally, participation rates decline as children reach adolescence, suggesting increased difficulties in maintaining social connections and activity continuity as they age.