OBJECTIVE: To promote the inclusion of handicapped people in the work market. CASE DESCRIPTION: In 2007, the Open Window Project was developed by an institutional interdisciplinary team that was composed of social assistance, physiotherapist, speech therapist, psychologist, educators, psychopedagogist, and occupational therapist. The team maintains contact with companies that disseminate jobs in the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre-RS, Brazil. After the team meeting, students are selected according to their profiles and available vacancies. A private meeting is conducted with the student and the local guardian responsible for the student. The student enrolls in the project and starts working when all parties have an agreement. From that moment on, the adolescent joins a group that periodically meets with an interdisciplinary team. The attendance aims are establishing a dialogue about the student's experiences; guidance and intervention when necessary; organizational learning; developing the ability for team work; stimulating autonomy in daily life activities; stimulating meaningful and comprehensive language; developing speech patterns; and acquiring knowledge because of effective communication. CONCLUSION: The work environment helps the person to deal with responsibilities and develop relationships. Often the family is surprised by the attitude changes in the student, because the student starts to feel more independent and capable of making his own decisions. It is important to emphasize that the entrance into the labor market does not involve just the person and the company. The school, family, and society must work together in defense and provide incentive for effective social inclusion of handicapped people in the work market.
