Abstract

CORREA, Alex Sandro; CROCHICK, José Leon; CORREIA, Rodrigo Nuno Peiró  and  VENTURA, Fabiana Duarte de Sousa. Workers With Down Syndrome: Autonomy and Wellness at Work. RLEC/LJCS [online]. 2021, vol.8, n.2, pp.157-173.  Epub May 01, 2023. ISSN 2184-0458.  https://doi.org/10.21814/rlec.3483.

This article presents a research report that was replicated in the city of São Paulo (Brazil) of the one developed in Portugal by Veiga and Fernandes (2014). It reflects on some research data, which demonstrate the role, importance and impact of being admitted in the world of work in the lives of workers with Down syndrome, including the feeling of wellness, autonomy, and friendship acquired. These workers were interviewed, as were their immediate bosses, friends and co-workers, and the observations made at the workplace. Knowing that social inclusion does not occur outside work, we highlight the importance of public policies in promoting rights and defending the rights already achieved, including the active participation of people with Down syndrome in society. This study showed that the achievement of a job made it possible to increase self-esteem, to develop autonomy and wellness of workers, providing them with achievements in the affective-social field (dating and friendships), in the family, economic and professional spheres, albeit with restrictions. The job also provided the feeling of being more useful and accepted by peers (“a sense of belonging”). It also allowed the possibility of contributing to the family and making plans for the future, with the same projects as any young adult, such as travelling, getting married and having children.

Keywords : autonomy; wellness; intellectual disability; labor market; inclusion.

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