Employement or government benefit: the choice of the family for youngsters with Down syndrome

Abstract

The Continued Cash Benefit CCB is a social protection policy to the disabled and the elderly. It is an unconditional transfer of income, equivalent to a minimum wage for people with disabilities living on vulnerable conditions. This study aimed to discuss the meaning that parents or guardians of Youngers with down syndrome (DS) assign to the benefit, to employment, and how they choose among them one or another. This was a qualitative study that interviewed 11 parents or guardians of youngsters with down syndrome who receive or have received the CCB and who had some work experience. The participants have received the benefit for up to 10 years. For many, the benefit is added to assimilated as a source of family income to be spent on domestic needs. This is one of the reasons for youngsters not to work. Other reasons are related to family difficulties to accompany him to work and feelings that he is not protected in the workplace. The positive experiences of those who work are autonomy and independence. Families choose whether the youngster works or keeps the benefit. Social policies are necessary to improve family knowledge about their rights concerning the CCB and about the role of working on the youngster´s life.