Abstract:

Adolescents with disabilities often face loneliness and lack of social interaction. This makes it difficult for them to relate to their peers and, as a result, to be included in the community later in life. The research problem is related to the lack of research to understand how the involvement of young people with disabilities in creative leisure activities with their peers affects their personal and social changes over time.

Research questions: How have the adolescents’ lives changed after being involved in theatre activities? How will they evaluate their experiences 10-15 years from now?

This study used a qualitative social research approach. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview. The method of inductive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The research sample consisted of two participants with developmental and mobility disabilities. The study was conducted in 2023 March - June, in Vilnius. The results of the study showed that participation in inclusive theatre with non-disabled peers in adolescence became a gateway to opportunities for change in their lives, an escape from everyday loneliness, and help in overcoming disability stigmas.

Our conclusions are based empirical evidence that the participation of young people with disabilities in inclusive theatre activities can prevent the loneliness they experience and promote their social inclusion.

Keywords:

Adolescent experiences, disability, inclusive education, inclusive theater, social inclusion.