O escotismo como ferramenta para o desenvolvimento social de crianças com Síndrome de Down

Abstract

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that modifies the correct number of chromosomes within the human species DNA. The insertion in a suitable sociocultural context will be of great importance for the adaptation of the people with Syndrome and the diverse environments frequented by them are essential tools for their development. Scouting is one of these spaces and is configured as a non-formal educational movement, which seeks to work the potentialities of the individual through six areas of development (character, social, affective, spiritual, cognitive and physical) using a method that is appropriate for each age group. The present work is a case study, which aimed to know the contributions of Scouting to the social development of children with Down Syndrome. A nine-year-old child, member of a Scout Group from João Pessoa participated in the research. An observation protocol and semi-structured interviews with four scout chiefs and the child's parents were used as the research instruments. It was noticed that Scouting is an agent that promotes inclusive educational practices. However, there is still a long way to go towards more effective inclusion, with more people with disabilities participating in the Scout Movement, and more information about how to deal with disabilities in practice. It is suggested the promotion of more courses, the invitation of more people with disabilities to participate in the Movement and the occurrence of more moments between scouts and non-scouts, so that there is dialogue among the various educational spheres on the theme.