Deficiência intelectual e vida adulta: possibilidades e desafios de uma inclusão social

Abstract

The present study presents the field research carried out in a Special Educational Institution of Santa Maria / RS, with four young adults and two special education teachers, a qualitative study with semi-structured interviews as instrument, of interviews, one for professionals and anothe r for students. As such, it was aimed to know the participants' understanding and how the change to adulthood of young people with intellectual disabilities is given, to know their expectations regarding their insertion into the job market and how the institution's professionals are preparing them for this phase. The support of the family is fundamental so that the young people obtain the autonomy and enough knowledge to look for a vacancy in the job market, thus conquering their space in the society and acquiring their independence. Just as t he family is the main element for this advancement in autonomy, it is up to the professionals to maintain and support this support, stressing their potential in social life. However, it is important to highlight that the family and the educational institut ion are, together, fundamental pieces for the development of autonomy and everything that involves the journey towards the adult life of the young people with Intellectual Disability. The institution in turn should guide its students to enter the labor market, preparing them with autonomy and leaving them safe from their potential. The labor market is the support of guaranteeing their independence and dignity in society.