The Role of the Social Worker in the Inclusion of People with Disabilities

On 7 November, Lusófona University - Porto University Centre held an open lecture with Dr Ana Costa, a social worker at APPACDM - Associação Portuguesa de Pais e Amigos do Cidadão Deficiente Mental (Portuguese Association of Parents and Friends of the Intellectually Disabled). The event discussed the role of social workers in the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities, fostering interaction and reflections between the speaker and final-year students of the Social Work degree programme.

During the lecture, Dr Ana Costa shared her extensive experience at APPACDM, addressing the range of interventions carried out by the institution, with particular focus on actions that promote autonomy and social inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities.

The social worker also discussed the main challenges that Social Work professionals face in the field of intellectual disability, such as overcoming prejudices, adapting intervention methodologies, and promoting effective integration into the job market and educational environment.

The session was marked by active interaction with students, who had the opportunity to ask questions, express doubts, and share experiences related to the topic. This exchange of ideas allowed students to reflect on the myths and stigmas still prevalent around disability, especially regarding social and educational perceptions of people with intellectual disabilities.

During the session, Dr Ana Costa emphasised the importance of dispelling misconceptions, such as the idea that people with intellectual disabilities lack the ability to live independently or to integrate into educational and professional spaces.

This initiative enabled students to understand the complexity of Social Work practice in this context, highlighting the importance of a humanised and inclusive approach. Students were also able to reflect on the relevance of adapting professional practices and implementing public policies that ensure equal opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities, promoting true social inclusion.

The open lecture provided a valuable opportunity to raise awareness and deepen knowledge on the role of social workers in the field of intellectual disability, reinforcing the commitment to building a more inclusive and equal society.

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Sofia Pereira