Background Individuals with intellectual disabilities have decreased leisure participation, affecting their health and well‐being. Existing measures of leisure participation are primarily based on self‐ or proxy reports. This study describes the initial validity and reliability of Leisure Participation Observation (LPO), developed for individuals with ID. Method Two judge panels (N = 10 each) completed a table of specifications for content validity. Reliability of the LPO was established on 38 individuals with moderate ID 25–45 years old. Results This study established the content validity of the LPO. Additionally, weighted kappa showed moderate–high statistically significant inter‐rater reliability (.667–.859, p < .01) and low–moderate, significant test–retest reliability, based on intraclass correlations (.226–.474, p < .05). Finally, results yielded moderate–high internal consistency (α = .74). Conclusions The LPO shows promise as an observation tool for assessing leisure participation in the moderate ID population that may serve as the basis for developing intervention programmes.

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The purpose of this study was to examine the leisure and recreation opportunities available in community apartments for adults with intellectual disability (ID), and their association with leisure participation. The study included 38 adults with ID with moderate levels of impairment residing in 19 apartments. Apartment coordinators reported on apartment characteristics, as well as leisure and recreation schedule and opportunities. Findings revealed diverse leisure and recreation activities. We found correlation between the number of activities (rs = .392 , p = .015; rs = .433, p = .007, respectively) as well as a visible daily schedule (Z = 2.143, p = .035) and leisure participation. Findings suggest that diverse leisure activities and a visible schedule may be associated with improved leisure participation.