The influence of community social support in the life quality of people with disabilities

Abstract

The social position, identity and role of the person in the society determine the levels of positive interactions with the environment and the ability of the individual to count on a stable social network. This network affects the availability of social resources needed to face traumatic events. The stigma, isolation and negative roles promote exclusion spaces for people with intellectual disabilities, preventing them to pursue an autonomous and quality life plan. To live in a community does not imply belonging, integration and active participation. In order to enhance life quality, intervention must be intended to increment stable and functionally positive social networks, integration and community participation. The spaces for social inclusion must be created to approach critically the relationships with society. Residents of social care facilities for people with disabilities and residential care centers for the elderly were interviewed (125). The results show deficits in the levels of psychosocial well-being, which correlates significantly with the quality life. The results will be analysed according to the type of facility, sex and degree of disability.