Living Group Mosaic Family: participation of people with disabilities in the community

DOI: 10.15343/0104-7809.20143802149158

Abstract

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