The need to act together in every way possible: inter-sector action in health and education for children living with the congenital Zika syndrome

• Published in: Cadernos de saúde pública 2019, Vol.35 (12), p.e00233718-e00233718
• Main Authors: Sá, Miriam Ribeiro Calheiros de, Vieira, Ana Carolina Dias, Castro, Barbara S Madeira, Agostini, Olivia, Smythe, Tracey, Kuper, Hannah, Moreira, Maria Elisabeth Lopes, Moreira, Martha Cristina Nunes
• Format: Article
• Language: Portuguese
• Subjects: Brazil; Cooperative Behavior; Delivery of Health Care, Integrated; Disabled Persons; Humans; Schools; Zika Virus Infection - complications
• ISSN: 1678-4464
• DOI: 10.1590/0102-311X00233718

The experience with an intervention program conducted in an educational institution and targeted to families of children with congenital Zika syndrome, which includes multiple disabilities, revealed the challenges and strides with the entry of these families in the school system. This article aimed to explore the findings from a study conducted after the conclusion of an intervention program, using semi-open interviews with professional staff at the institution and the possible contributions towards establishing inter-sector relations aimed at school inclusion of children with disabilities. A change was seen, as a result of the program, in the relationship between the families and the professionals at the educational institution, whereby the families had room to voice their fears and discuss the school's role in the lives of their children with disabilities. The professionals thus came to see the families taking a more active stance. This experience can favor other services and municipalities that seek school inclusion for children and adolescents with disabilities, as well as their social inclusion and that of their families.