Grupo de Convivência Família Mosaico: participação de pessoas com deficiência na comunidade

Abstract

This is a study on monitoring by a support group for people with disabilities (PWD), performed as a rehabilitation strategywithin the territory covered by a Basic Health Unit. The aims of the study are: to reflect on the necessary support for themaintenance of these people in community activities, to identify the main issues presented in group dynamics regardingcommunication, interpersonal relationships, individual and collective transformations, and to understand current challengesto integrate material production to the Living Group to solidarity economy circuits. The study was developed bymeans of systematic observations of twenty meetings registered in field reports. 21 people having and not having disabilitiestook part in the group: 6 having physical disabilities, 7 having intellectual disabilities, 1 having hearing impairment, 2having multiple disabilities, 01 person in psychological distress and 4 caregivers having unspecific limitations. The studyhighlighted the challenges for promoting the participation of people having disabilities, as well as to deal with the lack ofautonomy and agency of individuals to participate in activities. Joining the group promoted emotional changes, discoveriesof skills, promotion of care and learning, self-esteem and communication improvement among participants. Integratingsolidarity economy circuits has been one of the group’s challenges, especially considering the lack of accessibility in thecity, as well as the inherent difficulties in the marketing of crafted products. It is believed that living groups may be analternative strategy to promote the participation of PWD in the community.