Abstract

CAMARGO, Evani Andreatta Amaral  and  TOREZAN, Ana Maria. Dialogue between parents and professionals in the area of special education and their conceptions of mental deficiency. Rev. bras. educ. espec. [online]. 2004, vol.10, n.03, pp.337-354. ISSN 1413-6538.

In this article it is intended to analyze aspects of the relationship between parents of special pupils and professionals of the area, as well as some conceptions that they present on the mental deficiency. Relative questions to the relation professional-parents had directed our interest for the analysis of the interlocution process that occursbetween them and led us to inquire if in such process can occur new meanings about conceptions regarding the mental deficiency, since these are constructed throughout social experiences. An examination of the interlocution process among such subjects could not occur without searching basis in theories on the language and its functioning. Consonant with the adopted theoretical perspective, it was decided for an approach of qualitative inquiry and for constructing the data from occured interlocutions between parents of special pupils and professionals of a special institution, during a discussion work group, that lasted for the period of one year. We could verify, in the discussions presented, some conceptions on the mental deficiency, involving predominantly: ambivalence towards the possibilities of independence and autonomy, low expectation towards the ability to work, belief in the immaturity to perform the sexual role, lack of confidence on how to act and about the feelings of the children when being socially discriminated. It was verified that the exchanges that occur in these meetings, and during the interlocution process, allow those citizens, in this case parents and professionals, can elaborate and, in this way, face and transform their conceptions, beliefs and preconceptions that they have regarding the mental deficiency.

Keywords : Family; Mental Deficiency; Parent-Professional Relations; Special Education.

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