Educação Especial: letramento social e inclusão no mercado de trabalho em Colinas – MA

Abstract

This study seeks to understand how the social skills necessary for people with disabilities to participate in the labor market in Colinas, Maranhão, are developed. To this end, we analyzed structural, cultural, and educational factors that influence this process. We started from the principle that, even with important laws such as the Quota Law and the Statute of Persons with Disabilities, there is still a large difference between what the legislation determines and what actually happens in daily life, especially in inland cities. Here, social literacy is seen as a set of communication, cultural, and interaction skills that allows people to fully participate in different social and professional environments. For people with disabilities, this literacy is fundamental to strengthening their autonomy, increasing their chances of getting a job, and actively participating in society. The research was conducted qualitatively and descriptively, using questionnaires applied to three companies in the city. The results show that, although there are some specific inclusion actions, there is still a lack of more structured policies, professional training, and knowledge about inclusive practices and the very concept of social literacy. Among the obstacles are mitations in physical resources, prejudiced attitudes, lack of accessibility, and the absence of continuous training.Furthermore, the study reveals that places like Colinas – MA face these challenges even more intensely due to a lack of resources, specialized professionals, and training programs. The data indicate that promoting social literacy helps strengthen the autonomy of people with disabilities and their entry into the job market. However, this depends on integrated actions between companies, educational institutions, and the government. We conclude that inclusion in the workplace depends both on good public policies and on a cultural and social change that values diversity and the rights of these people