The educator's role in the autonomy journey for adult students with mental disorders

Abstract

The vision of people with mental disorders has a historical and social nature. In the last decades, important steps have been taken toward guaranteeing dignity for these vulnerable people across the globe. This paper focuses on educators that deal with students with mental disorders in Young and Adult Education. The study is aimed to clarify a commitment to the social inclusion of people with mental disorders, which was allowed thanks to the critical education. The link between communication and education is analyzed in the paper, showing the potential of language to consolidate effective educational practices. Furthermore, the relationship between mental health, critical education, and empowerment of students is explored in this paper. Finally, examples of Brazilian initiatives that contribute to the development in this field are included here.