Perceptions and practices of social work internship supervisors regarding health equity for people with disabilities at a CER in Maceió

Abstract

This article analyzes the perception of social workers supervising internships regarding Health Equity Policies aimed at people with physical and intellectual disabilities, in the context of a Specialized Rehabilitation Center located in Maceió, Brazil. The research was conducted at the Association of Physically Disabled People of Alagoas, a non-governmental organization linked to the Unified Health System, which provides physical, intellectual, and auditory rehabilitation services. The motivation for the study arose from the author's professional concern and the perceived gap in the training of social workers regarding the themes of health equity and continuing education. A qualitative methodology was used, with data collection through a focus group composed of nine social workers with at least six months of experience in internship supervision. Content analysis, based on Bardin (2016), identified four units of record: understanding of health equity; concept applied to disability; professional experiences; and suggestions for improvement. The results revealed varying levels of understanding of the concept of equity, often confused with equality, and an application that is still in its infancy in institutional practices. The participants pointed out the need for continuing education, intersectoral coordination, and systematic training to consolidate equitable practices in the care of persons with disabilities. It was concluded that strengthening critical knowledge about health equity in the field of social work is essential for promoting social rights and improving the quality of health care, reaffirming the strategic role of social workers in building inclusive and transformative practices in the context of rehabilitation.