A ocupação e o bem estar pessoal de uma população de adultos com síndrome de Down

Abstract

At present times there are legal resources which influence society as a whole and guarantee several rights to disabled people, hence aiming at social inclusion. Such regulation alters moral, ethical and co-existing aspects in society. There is also an increasing concern with the well-being of disabled people. Nevertheless, research usually approaches only relatives or carers perspective. Thus, this study aims at describing the occupation of Down s syndrome sufferers and their perception on personal well-being. It also endeavored at listening to them. Accordingly, the occupation of some patients is described and data on personal well-being index is presented. 33 adults who suffer from Down s syndrome along with their carers or guardians took part in this study. The patients were assessed through an instrument that rates personal well-being (PWI-ID). The carers were interviewed using a semi-structured method in order to have their occupations identified as well as obtain some data that might help characterizing the subjects of the research. This study was carried out through a quantitative method approach and the research type is descriptive. The majority of people with Down s syndrome analyzed in this study are satisfied with their personal well-being and do not have an occupation. The result of the PWI-ID, indicates the ability of the Down s Syndrome carrier to notice and evaluate different aspects of his/her life in an independent way. Furthermore, having an occupation or not can a choice among the life projects of those people.