According to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, engaging in recreation and leisure activities in the community is a human right.

For adults with CP, participating in leisure and recreation activities should be an important part of their daily life. It can help you to improve skills, socialise with others and expand your interests. It is also important for improving your quality of life and can contribute to improving your health and fitness levels.

Participating in leisure and recreation activities with your family, friends and support network can reduce stress levels for everyone.

There are many ways to incorporate leisure and recreation activities into your daily life. If you would like some advice about how to do this, talk to your healthcare team about helping you to identify the activities that best suit your particular interests, needs and ability levels.

You may like to see a diversional and recreation therapist, who can develop a plan for you that:

• takes into account your interests, hobbies and preferences
• can recommend various activities based on your capacity
• can teach you adaptive strategies
• modifies equipment and procedures to promote inclusion
• expands your ability to socialise and make friends
• enhances your self-confidence.

Contact your local council or community organisations, for information about the types of group activities that are available.

Some suggestions for activities that you may enjoy include:

• creative arts, such as painting, pottery, drama or dance
• going to see live music or playing an instrument
• eating and drinking in bars and restaurants
• cooking – there are tools such as rocker knives and adaptive cutting boards that help with one-handed cooking, and bench height can be adjusted for use with a wheelchair
• frame running or trikes
• adaptive sports – many sports such as surfing, hiking, sailing can be adapted for adults with CP, and provide a way to socialise, have fun and get active.

Having CP shouldn’t stop you from enjoying leisure and recreation activities. By exploring different activities, experimenting and adjusting things as you need, you’ll find what works for you.