Abstract
To analyze the contributions of speech-language therapy in the integration of young individuals with Down syndrome (DS) into the workplace, with reference to their professionalization. A questionnaire was distributed to eight undergraduate students (tutors) who participated in a project with individuals with DS, five mothers of individuals with DS, and five employees from the institution in which the present study was conducted. The questionnaire assessed the communication, memory, behavior, social interaction, autonomy and independence of the participants with DS, called "trainees". The trainees were employed in one of five routine work sectors at the university that conducted the present study. The data collected in this descriptive and cross-sectional study were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. The Research Ethics Committee of the affiliated institute approved the project. Mothers and tutors rated the trainees' language skills as "good". However, their ratings differed from those of the participating employees. After the trainees with DS were placed in a work environment, significant changes were observed in their communication and autonomy. There was no improvement in the trainees' independence, but after training noticeable changes were observed in their social behavior and autonomy. Speech-language therapy during vocational training led to positive changes in the social behavior of individuals with DS, as evidenced by an increase in their autonomy and communication.
Highlights
According to the most recent census conducted by the Secretary of Human Rights in 2010, almost 24% of the Brazilian population has some type of disability[1]
In evaluating the trainees’ behavior after participating in work activities, the majority of participants affirmed that there had been some change in their social behavior after placement in the work environment (n = 14)
The results showed that, following placement in the work environment, the young individuals with Down syndrome (DS) presented greater autonomy in performing tasks (n = 15)
Summary
According to the most recent census conducted by the Secretary of Human Rights in 2010, almost 24% of the Brazilian population has some type of disability[1]. 23.6% of the population entering the workplace in 2010 had at least one auditory, visual, motor or intellectual disability. Intellectual disability exerts the greatest negative impact on employment, with the workplace participation of individuals with such disabilities being the least prominent. Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic condition caused by an extra chromosome in Pair 21. Muscular hypotonia, slower development, delayed language acquisition, learning difficulties and other conditions that vary according to the individual and the environment[2,3] are very common in individuals with DS. There are no specific statistics on the number of individuals with DS in Brazil, it is estimated to be 270,000(4)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
