Affiliations: Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences,
Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil | Graduate Program in Collective Health, Universidade do
Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
Note: [] Corresponding author: Rosana Ferreira Sampaio, Departamento de
Fisioterapia, Escola de Educação Física, Fisioterapia e
Terapia Ocupacional, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Av. Antônio
Carlos, 6.627, Campus Pampulha, Belo Horizonte/MG, CEP 31270-901, Brazil. Tel.:
+55 31 3409 4781; E-mail: rosana@netuno.lcc.ufmg.br
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Individuals with different impairments are working in
the formal and/or informal market despite physical and attitudinal barriers. To
date, few studies have addressed this situation from the perspective of the
individuals. OBJECTIVE: Apprehend factors that restrict work performance in the
perspective of workers with impairments and identify the strategies employed
and the difficulties faced. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals with impairment who exercised paid
activities. METHODS: Thirty semi-structured interviews and eleven observations
of individuals in work activities. RESULTS: Limitations stemming from participants' disability and
health status had an influence over their execution of tasks, but did not
compromise work performance. Environmental factors that impacted as
facilitators or barriers were: lack of preparation of colleagues, employers,
education and rehabilitation systems; attitudes and coexistence; accessibility,
implementation of land use policies, urban structures and transportation;
products and technology; and distributive policies. Personal factors
(upbringing, self-esteem, good mood, outgoingness, communicability, willpower,
age and how the disability was acquired) also influenced participation at work.
Important strategies included recognizing and sharing capabilities and needs,
which minimized or eliminated difficulties at work. CONCLUSIONS: Workers with impairments developed effective strategies
for dealing with adverse situations, which remained in the individual realm.
Working with impairments is a complex experience that demands overcoming old
paradigms.
Keywords: Persons with impairment, working conditions, occupational health, International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, personal narratives
