Advocating for leisure since 1952
Sign in or Join now
World Leisure OrganizationWorld Leisure OrganizationWorld Leisure OrganizationWorld Leisure Organization
    0
  •   was successfully added to your cart.
  • ABOUT
    • About us
    • Board of directors
    • Scientific and Technical Secretariat
    • Academy
    • Youth Ambassadors
    • Chapters
    • Institutional Members
    • Donors & Sponsors
    • Internships
  • WHAT WE DO
    • Special Interest Groups
    • Congress
    • Expo
    • Games
    • Festival
    • Study Tours
    • Global Leisure Debates
    • Communities of Excellence
    • WL Journal
    • Awards
    • Strategic Priorities Grants (SPGs)
  • WLO CHARTER FOR LEISURE
  • CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE
    • The network
    • Field School
    • Leisure Experience Research Opportunity (LERO)
  • RESOURCES & NEWS
    • Newsletter
    • Declarations & Publications
    • Book Series
    • Encounters
    • News
  • Calls
  • MEMBERSHIP
    • Become a member
    • My account Log in
    • Member’s profile
    • Institutional Member’s profile
    • Free Member’s profile

Diversity, Access and Inclusion

    Home Diversity, Access and Inclusion

    Chair

    Lisa_Mische

    Lisa Mische-Lawson, PhD
    CTRS, The University of Kansas Medical Center, USA

    Contact

    Co-Chair

    NP 2019

    Nicole Peel, PhD
    School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Australia

    Goals

    • Serve as a Forum for Discussion, Support, and Knowledge-Sharing
    • Establish a Database of Leisure Professionals and Expertise in Diversity, Access & Inclusion
    • Advance Knowledge of Best Professional Practices for Inclusive Leisure
    • Advocate for the Inclusion of Underserved Populations in Leisure and Accessible Tourism

    Rationale for the Diversity, Access and Inclusion Special Interest Group (DAI SIG)

    In 1948, the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognized the right of ALL individuals to enjoy leisure time and to freely participate in the cultural life of the community. Despite this declaration, many marginalized groups continue to face systemic barriers that limit their access to leisure programs, facilities, and services.

    People with disabilities, individuals experiencing homelessness, those living in poverty, ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, older adults, and other underserved populations frequently encounter discrimination, exclusion, and structural inequities that prevent full participation in leisure and community life. Stigma, societal bias, and economic barriers often reinforce cycles of exclusion, depriving these groups of opportunities essential to their social development, physical and mental well-being, and overall quality of life.

    The World Leisure Organization is committed to upholding the rights of all individuals—regardless of ability, age, gender, race, socioeconomic status, or identity—to access meaningful and enriching leisure opportunities. Through the Diversity, Access, and Inclusion Special Interest Group, we provide a forum for professionals to share knowledge, collaborate, and advocate for policies and practices that ensure inclusive and equitable leisure participation for all.

    The Diversity, Access, and Inclusion Special Interest Group strives to create a more equitable and inclusive leisure landscape where everyone has the opportunity to engage in meaningful and enriching leisure experiences through the following goals:

    • Serve as a Forum for Discussion, Support, and Knowledge-Sharing

    The Diversity, Access, and Inclusion Special Interest Group (DAI SIG) provides a dedicated platform for leisure professionals, researchers, policymakers, and community leaders to engage in meaningful discussions about the challenges and opportunities related to diversity, access, and inclusion in leisure. Through meetings, online discussions, and collaborative initiatives, the group fosters an open exchange of ideas, experiences, and strategies for overcoming barriers to participation. It serves as a support network for those working to create inclusive leisure environments that recognize and celebrate diverse identities, cultures, and abilities.

    • Establish a Database of Leisure Professionals and Expertise in Diversity, Access & Inclusion

    To enhance collaboration and resource-sharing, the DAI SIG will develop and maintain a comprehensive database of leisure professionals specializing in diversity, access, and inclusion. This database will serve as a valuable tool for connecting experts with organizations, policymakers, and communities seeking guidance on inclusive leisure practices. By highlighting areas of expertise, best practices, and successful case studies, the database will facilitate partnerships and promote evidence-based approaches to equitable leisure participation.

    • Advance Knowledge of Best Professional Practices for Inclusive Leisure

    A key priority of the DAI SIG is to expand and disseminate knowledge on the most effective professional practices that promote access and inclusion in leisure for diverse populations. Through research initiatives, conferences, workshops, and publications, the group will contribute to the growing body of evidence on inclusive leisure programming, facility design, policy development, and community engagement. By translating research into actionable strategies, the group aims to equip professionals with the tools needed to implement meaningful and sustainable inclusive leisure opportunities.

    • Advocate for the Inclusion of Underserved Populations in Leisure and Accessible Tourism

    The DAI SIG is committed to advocacy efforts that promote the rights of underserved populations—including people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, individuals experiencing homelessness, older adults, and those living in poverty—to access leisure programs, facilities, and services. The group will work to influence policy, raise awareness, and support the development of inclusive leisure initiatives at local, national, and international levels. Additionally, the group will promote accessible tourism, ensuring that travel, recreation, and cultural experiences are welcoming and accommodating to all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities.

    • Activities
    • Planned Activities
    • In-person and virtual membership meetings
    • Bi-annual membership newsletter
    • World Leisure Congress abstract reviews and sessions
    • Contributions to World Leisure Organization Publications
    • Survey membership to inform Diversity, Access & Inclusion Special Interest Group activities
    • Connect and inform Diversity, Access & Inclusion Special Interest Group members
    • Provide webinar to support diversity, access and inclusion in leisure
    • Highlight diversity, access and inclusion in World Leisure Day Activities
    • Contribute to 2025 World Leisure Congress in Breda, Netherlands
      • Lead Diversity, Access & Inclusion thematic track
      • Hold annual membership meeting
      • Present collaborative DAI project

    world leisure organization

    World Leisure Organization is a non-profit organization registered in New York.

    + More info about us

    World Leisure Organization (WLO) |  Scientific and Technical Office Arenal 1, Segunda Planta | 48005 Bilbao, Spain

    secretariat@worldleisure.orgCall us: +34 946 056 151

    • Board of directors
    • Scientific and Technical Secretariat
    • World Leisure Day
    • Calls

    WLO is a NGO in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (UN ECOSOC)

    • Centers of Excellence
    • Chapters
    • Special Interest Groups
    • Encounters
    WLO has aconsultive status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations
    • Journal
    • Charter for Leisure
    • Newsletter
    • Declarations & Publications

    Supporting Organization signatory party of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism

    Supporting Organization signatory party of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism
    Copyright 2023 See cookie policy | Contact | All Rights Reserved
    • ABOUT
      • About us
      • Board of directors
      • Scientific and Technical Secretariat
      • Academy
      • Youth Ambassadors
      • Chapters
      • Institutional Members
      • Donors & Sponsors
      • Internships
    • WHAT WE DO
      • Special Interest Groups
      • Congress
      • Expo
      • Games
      • Festival
      • Study Tours
      • Global Leisure Debates
      • Communities of Excellence
      • WL Journal
      • Awards
      • Strategic Priorities Grants (SPGs)
    • WLO CHARTER FOR LEISURE
    • CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE
      • The network
      • Field School
      • Leisure Experience Research Opportunity (LERO)
    • RESOURCES & NEWS
      • Newsletter
      • Declarations & Publications
      • Book Series
      • Encounters
      • News
    • Calls
    • MEMBERSHIP
      • Become a member
      • My account Log in
      • Member’s profile
      • Institutional Member’s profile
      • Free Member’s profile
    World Leisure Organization
      0 items