Vocational rehabilitation at the National Social Security Institute: paths of occupational therapy

Abstract

This article presents data from a research that aimed to identify and understand the practices and concepts of occupational therapy in the Vocational Rehabilitation Program of the National Social Security Institute (INSS), in the state of São Paulo. Vocational rehabilitation aspires to provide means for workers to reenter the job market, being associated with health, education, and labor and employment. Data were collected through a questionnaire sent to occupational therapists, as well as through interviews with some of them. We discussed themes that were categorized to analyze their practices and concepts and highlighted topics that allowed us to reflect on the limits, possibilities and challenges faced by these workers, examining the structure of the program as well. A number of factors imply that their performance at the INSS is more negative than positive, which could be related to structural issues of the program. However, the therapists believe in improving its structure and point out the need to increase the possibilities offered, allowing for a greater participation and responsibility of companies, for more combined efforts with other government sectors and the civil society and for the expansion and reformulation of the Brazilian legislation on vocational rehabilitation.