Work and assistive technology on perspective of people with physical disabilities.

Abstract

The employability of people with disabilities is an important debate nowadays, and the difficulties, facilitators and barriers at work are issues that need to be understood from those who have gone through this process. Aim to identify through the perspective of people with physical disability aspects that facilitate and/or hinder their inclusion in work activities and understand the contribution of assistive technology in the performance of the role of work for these people. There were 30 participants aged between 18 and 60 years with physical disability, who were interviewed by the researchers. The data analysis for the interviews was performed using the content analysis. Results: The work is presented as an important means of personal and professional fulfillment in the lives of respondents, and a way of inclusion in society. Assistive technology appeared as facilitator both on relevant issues in the workplace and in relation to accessibility, such as adapted transport and mobility. Education and prejudice were identified as the main barriers to the inclusion process at work. It highlights the importance of affirmative action and to encourage the debate of public policies for access to rights of people with disabilities, guaranteed by Brazilian law.