ABSTRACT

This paper seeks to bring into the light of academic debate the position and experiences of disabled animals within leisure, to encourage academics, the leisure industry, and society in general to consider these animals and their needs from their perspective. It is based on the recognition of animals as sentient beings and that disabled individuals may have distinct needs regarding leisure and access to the leisure environment. To date, disabled animals represent an under-studied population, both in and beyond the leisure experience. This lack of attention parallels the discrimination disabled people have long experienced. The paper highlights how even data on the number of disabled animals and the range of disabilities they face is lacking. It further considers how disabled animals are marginalised, both by society and academics in relation to the leisure experience and why this is the case. The potential of overturning this marginalisation for the benefit of both animals and humans is considered before the paper turns to address future research related to disabled animals and leisure. In doing so, the paper notes the need to engage with the animal ‘other’ in a critical animal-centric approach to understand their needs, wants, and experiences.

摘要

本文旨在将残疾动物在休闲中的地位和经历纳入学术辩论，以鼓励学术界、休闲行业和整个社会从他们的角度考虑这些动物及其需求。它基于将动物视为众生的认识，以及残疾人可能对休闲和进入休闲环境有不同的需求。迄今为止，残疾动物代表了一个未被充分研究的人群，无论是在休闲体验中还是在休闲体验之外。这种缺乏关注与残疾人长期遭受的歧视相似。该论文强调了关于残疾动物数量和它们面临的残疾范围的数据是如何缺乏的。它进一步考虑了残疾动物是如何被边缘化的，社会和学术界对休闲体验以及为什么会这样。在本文转向解决与残疾动物和休闲相关的未来研究之前，考虑了为了动物和人类的利益而推翻这种边缘化的潜力。在这样做的过程中，该论文指出需要以一种以动物为中心的批判性方法与动物“他者”互动，以了解他们的需求、愿望和经历。