Misalignments in the construction of occupational-therapeutic work in social assistance with persons with disabilities

Abstract

It is necessary to debate the parameters that guide the practice of occupational therapists within the Unified Social Assistance System (SUAS), given that the social assistance is the second public policy field that most incorporates this professional category into its professional staff, especially regarding work involving persons with disabilities. This study aimed to understand the work processes and to reflect on the role of occupational therapists within this policy, with an emphasis on the population with disabilities. To that end, partial results from a doctoral research project were analyzed, focusing on interviews conducted with six occupational therapists working in SUAS in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, who were employed in Centros-dia. When examining the professionals’ work processes, a consensus emerged around the focus on promoting individuals’ independence and autonomy, with emphasis on Activities of Daily Living. However, a difficulty was observed in overcoming the tendency to interpret the needs of the individuals from a rehabilitation perspective. On the other hand, it was found that the very documents that guide social assistance policy create gaps that allow for such interpretations and actions. Nevertheless, it is argued that professionals should become familiar with the theoretical-methodological and legal debates of both social assistance and social occupational therapy. In this regard, it is believed that the more occupational therapists are embedded in this theoretical and practical framework, the greater the promotion of “encounters,” aligning their work with the principles of this public policy.