Pessoas com deficiência intelectual envelhecendo com autonomia

Abstract

This project had as its priority the adults with intellectual disability (ID) in the aging phase. At old age, there frequently occur alterations in different areas of cognition, that involve mental function, like the ability to think, perceive, remember, feel, rationalize and answer to external stimuli (RABELO, 2009). Therefore, with this research, the needs of a person with ID in the adult phase for autonomy can be understood, in order to discuss the possibilities of improving their functioning so that they become more independent. In this sense, a study of basic nature was done with exploratory objectives and realized with interviews: five students with ID between the ages of 45 and 50, themselves being in the institution for more than 10 years; a professor of Special Education; a social educator; and three regular teachers, acting in the institutions from six months to 13 years. Therefore, it was possible to reflect over the necessities of the person with ID in the adult phase and understand which biological symptoms, health, social relationships, autonomy and disposition, in the life of the subjects, are interconnected. It's understood that it's necessary to exercise the body and mind living in society and practicing daily life activities and physical activities. In addition, it had been learned a little about the operation of Special Education and the potential interests of these subjects, and thus it can be understood that these subjects have needs to exercise the body and mind, and this transformation only occurs living in society and practicing activities, both of mental health and physical.