The importance of rehabilitation of adults with Down syndrome in the professional and social activation

Abstract

THE IMPORTANCE OF REHABILITATION OF ADULTS WITH DOWN SYNDROME IN THE PROFESSIONAL AND SOCIAL ACTIVATION

In many countries of the world, and Poland, over the years, there have been undertaken activities that are designed to create the conditions for full participation in professional and social life of adults with Down syndrome. This syndrome is one of the best known and described medical genetic disorders. The paper is presenting aspects of the education of mentally disabled people, which play a key role not only in the socio-professional sphere, but also the economic and financial one. The therapeutic methods used in the activation and rehabilitation, which have a significant impact on future development and career opportunities of people with Down syndrome are described here. The studies illustrate the importance of Occupational Therapy Workshops, which are one of the steps in starting work by people with disabilities. Based on observation and analysis of data it has been showed that the activities carried out at the workshops not only improve but also teach new professional skills and social behaviour, and thus increases the possibility of finding a job and functioning in society. People with Down syndrome can be treated as a social minority, which is slowly coming out of isolation, due to the appropriate way of education, rehabilitation and social integration, on the other hand, it changes the perception of people with disabilities by the general public.