Adapted physical education for mentally disabled adults: a way to understand social roles
Keywords:
adapted physical education, adult, mental retardation, sports, recreation, leisure, residenceAbstract
Objective
Evaluate how adapted physical education could contribute to the development of adults with mental disabilities in residency programs.
Subjects and method
This was a qualitative study developed in a residence located in the municipality of Vinhedo, State of São Paulo, Brazil, where a group of adult residents with mental disabilities were followed from 1992 until 1996. The 13 adults with mental disabilities living in this residence program were divided into two groups, one with six adults with severe mental retardation and the other with seven residents with moderate mental retardation. The 13 residents were systematically observed four times a week during physical education activities over a period of four years. Compliance with rules was observed as well as their performance in motor and social skills through these activities.
Results
At the end of the four-year period there was significant improvement for all 13 residents in their ability to follow the rules learned through sports in social situations. Individuals in group 1 were able to successfully incorporate the rules into their everyday lives and also extended them to their social activities. Group 2 achieved the same goals and was still able to help group one in their activities.
Conclusion
The practice of sports, recreation and leisure proved to be important for improving the motor and social capabilities of adults with mental disabilities in a residence program, expanding these capabilities to other social situations outside the residence. The physical education program provided staff with tools to deal with residents in a systematic way that organized their daily work.
Downloads
References
Bueno JGS. Educação Especial Brasileira: integração/ segregação do aluno diferente. São Paulo: EDUC; 1993.
Januzzi G. A luta pela educação do deficiente mental no Brasil. São Paulo: Cortez Autores Associados; 1985.
Moore C, Feist-Price S. Societal attitudes and the civil rights of persons with disabilities. J Appl Rehabi 1 itation Counseling 1999; 3 0(2): 19-24.
Middleton R, Harley D, Rollins C, Solomon T. Affirmative action, cultural diversity, and disability policy reform: Foundations to the civil rights of persons with disability. J Appl Rehabil_itation Counseling 1998; 29(3):9-17.
Blanck P, Weighner MM. Attitudes, Behavior, and the Employment provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Villanova Law Rev 1997; 42:345-408.
Ferreira JR. A exclusão da diferença. Piracicaba: Unimep; 1993.
Paul KL. Disability Policy and Politics. J Disability Policy Stud 2000; 11(1 ):33-43
Higgins PC. Making disability: Exploring the social transformation of human variation. Springfield, IL: Thomas; 1992.
Richard KS. Disability Policy. J Disability Policy Stud 2000; 11(1):6-11.
Scotch RK. Politics and policy in the history ofthe disability rights movement. Milbank Q 1989; 67(Suppl. 2, Pt.2):380-400.
Anspach R. From stigma to identity politics: Political activism among the physically disabled and former mental patients. Soe Sei Med 1979; 13:765-73.
Bruininks R, Chvat M. Research on the motor proficiency of persons with mental retardation, Better by moving: Proceedings of the 2nd· International Symposium 002. Psychomotor Therapy an Adapted Physical Activity; 1990; Leuven.
Zola IK. Toward the necessary universalizing of adisability policy. Milbank:Q 1989; 67(Suppl 2, Pt 2):401-28.
Scheer J, Groce N. Impairrnent as a human constant: Cross-cultural and historical perspectives on variation. J Soe Issues 1988; 44(1 ):23-37.
