The purpose of this study was to make a contribution towards decision–making in complex environmental problems, especially where data is limited and associated with a high degree of uncertainty. As a young scientist, I understood the value of science as a measuring and quantification tool and used to intuitively believe that science was exact and could provide undisputable answers. It was in 1997, during the Safety Assessments done at the Vaalputs National Radioactive Waste Repository that my belief system was challenged. This occurred after there were numerous scientific studies done on the site that was started since the early 1980’s, yet with no conclusion as to how safe the site is in terms of radioactive waste disposal. The Safety Assessment process was developed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to transform the scientific investigations and data into decision–making information for the purposes of radioactive waste management. It was also during the Vaalputs investigations when I learned the value of lateral thinking. There were numerous scientists with doctorate and master’s degrees that worked on the site of which I was one. One of the important requirements was to measure evaporation at the local weather station close to the repository. It was specifically important to measure evaporation as a controlling parameter in the unsaturated zone models. Evaporation was measured with an Apan that is filled with water so that the losses can be measured. Vaalputs is a very dry place and water is scarce. The local weather station site was fenced off, but there was a problem in that the aardvark dug below the fence and drank the water in the A–pan, so that no measurements were possible. The solution from the scientists was to put the fence deeper into the ground. The aardvark did not find it hard to dig even deeper. The next solution was to put a second fence around the weather station and again the aardvark dug below it to drink the water. It was then that Mr Robbie Schoeman, a technician became aware of the problem and put a drinking water container outside the weather station fence for the aardvark and – the problem was solved at a fraction of the cost of the previous complex solutions. I get in contact with the same thinking patterns that intuitively expect that the act of scientific investigations will provide decision–making information or even solve the problem. If the investigation provides more questions than answers, the quest is for more and more data on more detailed scales. There is a difference between problem characterization and solution viidentification. Problem characterization requires scientific and critical thinking, which is an important component but that has to be incorporated with the solution identification process of creative thinking towards decision–making. I am a scientist by heart, but it was necessary to realise that apart from research, practical science must feed into a higher process, such as decision–making to be able to make a practical difference. The process of compilation of this thesis meant a lot to me as I initially thought of doing a PhD and then it changed me, especially in the way I think. This was a life changing process, which is good. As Jesus said in Mathew 3:2 And saying, Repent (think differently; change your mind, regretting your sins and changing your conduct), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Geography and Environmental Studies))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The purpose of this study was to make a contribution towards decision–making in complex environmental problems, especially where data is limited and associated with a high degree of uncertainty. As a young scientist, I understood the value of science as a measuring and quantification tool and used to intuitively believe that science was exact and could provide undisputable answers. It was in 1997, during the Safety Assessments done at the Vaalputs National Radioactive Waste Repository that my belief system was challenged. This occurred after there were numerous scientific studies done on the site that was started since the early 1980’s, yet with no conclusion as to how safe the site is in terms of radioactive waste disposal. The Safety Assessment process was developed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to transform the scientific investigations and data into decision–making information for the purposes of radioactive waste management. It was also during the Vaalputs investigations when I learned the value of lateral thinking. There were numerous scientists with doctorate and master’s degrees that worked on the site of which I was one. One of the important requirements was to measure evaporation at the local weather station close to the repository. It was specifically important to measure evaporation as a controlling parameter in the unsaturated zone models. Evaporation was measured with an Apan that is filled with water so that the losses can be measured. Vaalputs is a very dry place and water is scarce. The local weather station site was fenced off, but there was a problem in that the aardvark dug below the fence and drank the water in the A–pan, so that no measurements were possible. The solution from the scientists was to put the fence deeper into the ground. The aardvark did not find it hard to dig even deeper. The next solution was to put a second fence around the weather station and again the aardvark dug below it to drink the water. It was then that Mr Robbie Schoeman, a technician became aware of the problem and put a drinking water container outside the weather station fence for the aardvark and – the problem was solved at a fraction of the cost of the previous complex solutions. I get in contact with the same thinking patterns that intuitively expect that the act of scientific investigations will provide decision–making information or even solve the problem. If the investigation provides more questions than answers, the quest is for more and more data on more detailed scales. There is a difference between problem characterization and solution viidentification. Problem characterization requires scientific and critical thinking, which is an important component but that has to be incorporated with the solution identification process of creative thinking towards decision–making. I am a scientist by heart, but it was necessary to realise that apart from research, practical science must feed into a higher process, such as decision–making to be able to make a practical difference. The process of compilation of this thesis meant a lot to me as I initially thought of doing a PhD and then it changed me, especially in the way I think. This was a life changing process, which is good. As Jesus said in Mathew 3:2 And saying, Repent (think differently; change your mind, regretting your sins and changing your conduct), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Geography and Environmental Studies))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

This exploratory qualitative case study provides a description of the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation’s practice in addressing deep-rooted conflict, from the Republic of Ireland. This research grew out of practical problems from the field of conflict resolution in Canada, in particular interest-based mediation, in addressing deep-rooted conflict. Using an extended epistemology, data is harvested from praxis to create naturalistic generalizations: guidelines for addressing deep-rooted conflict. The research findings are the result of a synthesis of three data sources: interviews with facilitators from Glencree, textual data, and nearly five months of onsite observation. The main themes derived from the research include: Glencree’s Diverse Practice; Glencree’s Approach to Conflict; Glencree’s Identity; Glencree’s Approach to Deep-Rooted Conflict; and Implementing Glencree’s Approach. This study is intended as a snapshot in time of a set of dynamic and emergent ideas addressing conflict in practice. Through an inductive research design, findings from praxis are related to theory from the field of conflict resolution. In addition, implications for addressing deep-rooted conflict are identified, including Glencree’s emphasis on the need for flexibility as a characteristic for conflict work, and an underlying worldview incorporating aspects of dynamic systems theory and chaos theory.

This study examines the emerging notion of learning partnerships. As the study of such partnerships is a nascent research field, no single definition has yet emerged in the literature. However, within an uncertain and rapidly changing global context, two strategic initiatives have been identified which will support individuals, communities and organisations in their transition to a knowledge-based economy whilst building capacity for change and renewal. These two strategies are fostering learning communities/regions/towns and developing learning partnerships between multiple stakeholders. The term "learning partnership" has appeared in a wide variety of literatures including those of adult learning, management, social science and education. Working papers and emerging case reports identify a diversity of applications and a range of operational models or configurations that link multiple stakeholders. Learning partnerships have been associated with vocational education and training, innovation and research, lifelong learning, organisational learning and knowledge cultivation. These literatures reveal a paucity of Australian research to explain how multiple stakeholders form and develop these configurations, particularly in the Queensland context. The purpose of this study is to build deeper understanding of the meaning of a learning partnership in the Australian and (more precisely) the Queensland context. A working definition of a learning partnership, adopted as the basis for the research, indicates a strategy designed to foster continuous learning, collaboration, innovation and renewal in response to the demands of the knowledge-based economy and knowledge and learning societies. The research focuses on organisational arrangements in order for the researcher to gain deeper understanding from the key stakeholders in their work environments. Three diverse situations were selected for detailed exploration of their issues, relationships, activities, processes and working knowledge. With a view to contributing to emerging theory, an organisational case study methodology was adopted to identify and explore the nature of the relationships and issues confronting the key stakeholders in three Queensland-based learning partnerships. An interpretive theoretical framework draws on the social theory of symbolic interactionism and the "systems thinking" of General Systems Theory. An interpretivist perspective influenced the case study research strategy and guided data collection, analysis and reporting. Within the case studies, data collection methods included observations, informal meetings, synergetic focus groups, semi-structured interviews, diary notes, researcher memos and documents. From these multiple data sources, the researcher was able to assemble three case files. The inductive process for within-case analysis for the case reports, and later, cross-case analysis, integrated as a form of constant comparison technique, was used as a basis for presenting findings. These findings are reported as three separate "in progress" models to address three interrelated research questions. The case reports explain complex and interconnected organisational arrangements - evolving, adapting and responding to internal and external tensions. While there is considerable activity which could be regarded as representing learning partnerships, there is no cohesive policy framework to support such partnerships, and much ambiguity, "muddy" definitions and unclear terminology. It appears that a "new breed" of knowledge-worker is emerging - linking, networking, interacting, exchanging - to work across organisational intersections. The study shows that like "herding cats", co-ordinating and managing the inter relationships at the organisational intersection take time, resources, vision, processes for interaction, individual willingness and "in-kind" support. Whilst there is opportunity for linking disparate groups to cross-fertilise ideas, working knowledge, and information, and there is the potential to cultivate a knowledge and learning ecosystem (a fertile compost heap for knowledge generation and an innovative learning system) - "intellectual horsepower" - such configurations may also derail, realign or stagnate. It is individual stakeholders who form the relationships, interact, share ideas, and build networks, and it is the individual who maintains the relationships, engages in the process and learns from the experience. Therein lies a paradox between the strength of diversity of the collective (synergies) and their weakness as the relationships may be compromised by a single individual who withdraws or transfers. Drawing on a computing analogy, this could be akin to "corruption" in a system which may not be sufficiently robust to tolerate ambiguity, or a system that is too inflexible to survive threats while maintaining the momentum to adapt and renew. On the basis of this research it would appear that a more robust or resilient paradigm is emerging with interconnected, blurred boundaries and much "talking and thinking" about more sustainable futures. The study identifies these as indicative of wider social and economic changes. The thesis proposes three conceptual models as particularly useful in interpreting these "shifting systems and shifting paradigms": the concentric, the centripetal, and the plutonic.

This exploratory qualitative case study provides a description of the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation’s practice in addressing deep-rooted conflict, from the Republic of Ireland. This research grew out of practical problems from the field of conflict resolution in Canada, in particular interest-based mediation, in addressing deep-rooted conflict. Using an extended epistemology, data is harvested from praxis to create naturalistic generalizations: guidelines for addressing deep-rooted conflict. The research findings are the result of a synthesis of three data sources: interviews with facilitators from Glencree, textual data, and nearly five months of onsite observation. The main themes derived from the research include: Glencree’s Diverse Practice; Glencree’s Approach to Conflict; Glencree’s Identity; Glencree’s Approach to Deep-Rooted Conflict; and Implementing Glencree’s Approach. This study is intended as a snapshot in time of a set of dynamic and emergent ideas addressing conflict in practice. Through an inductive research design, findings from praxis are related to theory from the field of conflict resolution. In addition, implications for addressing deep-rooted conflict are identified, including Glencree’s emphasis on the need for flexibility as a characteristic for conflict work, and an underlying worldview incorporating aspects of dynamic systems theory and chaos theory.

A presente pesquisa analisa a interlocução entre a Educação de Jovens e Adultos (EJA) e a Educação Especial, por meio da construção de narrativas associadas às trajetórias de vida de três jovens com deficiência, matriculados na EJA, na Rede Pública Estadual de Ensino do Rio Grande do Sul, em escolas localizadas no município de Porto Alegre. A partir dos pressupostos da metodologia de história oral, a entrevista aberta foi utilizada como instrumento de pesquisa, tendo, como foco principal, as trajetórias escolares desses sujeitos. Integram ainda as ações da pesquisa: a análise dos indicadores numéricos do Censo Escolar da Educação Básica (anos 2010 e 2011) referentes à Educação Especial na Rede Estadual de Ensino do RS; a visitação e a observação em quatro escolas estaduais que apresentam número elevado de matrículas de pessoas com deficiência na Educação de Jovens e Adultos; a pesquisa exploratória sobre as produções acadêmicas, envolvendo temáticas atinentes à pesquisa. A abordagem sistêmica do pensamento científico constitui os pilares de sustentação teórica desta pesquisa, prioritariamente, as investigações feitas pelos estudiosos Gregory Bateson e Humberto Maturana. Após a transcrição das entrevistas, foram identificados, como eixos para a análise, os processos de estigmatização do Eu; as relações interpessoais (o eu e o outro); os percursos de escolarização e as possibilidades de Ser dos sujeitos. A construção das narrativas foi aliada à discussão das concepções de memória e temporalidades e de identidades individuais e coletivas, a partir do diálogo com os pressupostos da metodologia de história oral e do pensamento sistêmico. A construção das narrativas possibilitou as seguintes considerações: a necessidade de olhar o jovem e o adulto com deficiência além de suas condições orgânicas e de vê-los como sujeitos que têm possibilidades amplas e singulares de viver e aprender e que estas são afetadas pelo contexto social em que estão inseridos; o entendimento de que as trajetórias humanas dos jovens e adultos com deficiência, influenciadas pela cultura e pela linguagem, mostram que as necessidades e anseios desses jovens estão muito próximos das necessidades e anseios dos jovens do grupo social do qual fazem parte; a observação da importância atribuída pelos sujeitos aos processos de comunicação que lhes permitam desenvolver a relação de pertencimento e a participação social; a afirmação da influência dos processos estigmatizadores na restrição das possibilidades desses sujeitos, tanto na dimensão individual como na coletiva; a percepção do fracasso escolar como marca no percurso de escolarização desses sujeitos, reafirmando a constatação histórica de que o ensino exclusivamente especializado não tem cumprido o papel de ser uma etapa transitória na vida desses alunos; da repetição, no ensino comum, de estratégias que indicam a suposta incapacidade desses sujeitos e que são visíveis a partir da configuração de “arranjos escolares”, como a oferta da EJA no turno diurno; a premência de políticas públicas que confiram visibilidade à reflexão e à ação sobre a oferta do Atendimento Educacional Especializado (AEE) para jovens e adultos com deficiência; a necessidade de potencializar o diálogo entre as áreas da Educação Especial e da Educação de Jovens e Adultos, para o enfrentamento coletivo e multidisciplinar das situações desafiadoras que se apresentam. / This study analyzes the interlocution between Education of Young Adults and Adults (EJA) and Special Education through the construction of narratives associated with the life trajectories of three young people with disabilities enrolled in the EJA program of the Public Education Network of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, in schools located in the city of Porto Alegre. From the assumptions of the oral history methodology, the open interview was used as a research tool, focusing mainly on the school trajectories of these subjects. The following actions are also part of this research: the analysis of numeric indicators of the Basic Education Census (2010 and 2011) regarding Special Education in schools of the public education network of the State of RS; visitations and observations carried out in four state schools with a high number of enrollments of people with disabilities in the EJA program, and exploratory research of the academic work related to this theme. The systemic approach of the scientific thought constitutes the theoretical pillar of this research, particularly the investigations conducted by the scholars Gregory Bateson and Humberto Maturana. After the transcription of the interviews, the following items were identified as axis for the analysis: the processes of stigmatization of the self; interpersonal relationships (the self and others); the paths of schooling and the possibilities of being of the subject. The construction of narratives was linked to the discussion of the concepts of memory and temporality and of individual and collective identities, based on dialog, with the assumptions of the oral history methodology and systems thinking. The construction of narratives allowed the following considerations: the necessity of looking beyond the organic conditions of young adults and adults with disabilities and of seeing them as individuals with extensive and unique opportunities to live and learn, affected by the social context in which they are inserted; the understanding that the human trajectories of young adults and adults with disabilities, influenced by culture and language, shows that their needs and desires are closely related to the needs and aspirations of the young people of the social group to which they belong; the observation of the importance attributed by the subjects to the communication processes which enable them to develop a belonging relationship and social interaction; the assertion of the influence of the stigmatizing processes in restricting the possibilities of these subjects, both in the individual and the collective dimensions; the perception of school failure as a stain in the education processes of the subjects, reaffirming the historical finding that the exclusively specialized education has not fulfilled the role of transitory stage in the life of these students; the repetition, in the common education, of strategies indicating the supposed inability of these subjects, visible from the setting of “arranging school” such as the EJA day shift; the urgency of public policies giving visibility to the reflection and the action on the provision of Specialized Care Education (AEE) for young adults and adults with disabilities; the necessity to strength the dialogue between the areas of Special Education and Education of Young Adults and Adults, to the collective and multidisciplinary confrontation of the challenging situations. / Este estudio analiza la interacción entre la Educación para Jóvenes y Adultos (EJA) y La Educación Especial, a través de la construcción de narrativas basadas en experiencias de vida de 3 jóvenes con discapacidad, matriculados en la educación para adultos, en la Red Estatal de Educación Pública de Rio Grande do Sul, en escuelas ubicadas en la ciudad de Porto Alegre. Partiendo de los presupuestos contemplados en la metodología de la historia oral, se utilizó la entrevista abierta como una herramienta de investigación, con el objetivo principal de alcanzar a las trayectorias escolares de estos sujetos. Integran también esta investigación: análisis de los datos numéricos de la Educación Básica (2010 y 2011), relacionados con la Educación Especial en las escuelas públicas de Rio Grande do Sul; visitas y observación de cuatro escuelas públicas que cuentan con gran número de inscripciones de personas con discapacidad en la Educación para Jóvenes y Adultos (EJA); investigación exploratoria sobre las producciones académicas, relacionadas con el tema de la investigación. El enfoque sistémico de pensamiento científico se constituye como pilar teórico de este estudio, especialmente, el presente en las investigaciones realizadas por los estudiosos Gregory Bateson e Humberto Maturana. Después de transcribir las entrevistas, fueron identificados, como ejes para el análisis, los procesos de estigmatización de identidad; relaciones interpersonales (yo y el otro) la trayectoria y las posibilidades de ser del sujeto. La construcción de narrativas se alió a un debate sobre los conceptos de memoria y de la temporalidad y de las identidades individuales y colectivas, desde la integración con los presupuestos de la metodología de la historia oral y el pensamiento sistémico. La construcción de narrativas possibilitó las siguientes consideraciones: la necesidad de mirar a los jóvenes y adultos con discapacidad más allá de sus condiciones orgánicas; verlos como personas que tienen amplias oportunidades de vivir y aprender, y que estas están afectadas por el entorno en que se insertan; la comprensión de que las trayectorias personales de los jóvenes y adultos con discapacidad, influenciadas por la cultura y el lenguaje, muestra que las necesidades y los deseos de estos jóvenes están muy cerca de las necesidades y aspiraciones de los jóvenes del grupo social al que pertenecen; la observación de la importancia atribuida por los sujetos a los procesos de comunicación que les permitan desarrollar una relación de pertenencia y participación social; la afirmación de la influencia de los procesos de estigma en la restricción de las posibilidades de estas personas, tanto en la vida escolar de estos individuos, lo que ratifica la conclusión histórica de que la educación discriminada no ha alcanzado su objetivo de ser una etapa transitoria en la vida de estos estudiantes; la repetición en la enseñanza, de estrategias comunes, que indican una presunción de incapacidad de estos sujetos, y que son identificables desde la concepción de la “organización escolar”, como el ejemplo de la oferta de la Educación de Jóvenes y Adultos en el turno diurno, la urgencia de políticas públicas que den visibilidad a la reflexión y a la acción sobre la oferta de Atención Educacional Especializada (AEE) para jóvenes y adultos con discapacidad; la necesidad de fortalecer el diálogo entre las áreas de Educación Especial y Educación de Jóvenes y Adultos, para enfrentamiento colectivo y multidisciplinar contra los desafíos que se presentan.

In this study an ecosystematic approach to sports coaching is forwarded. This approach is illustrated using the analogy of an ecology of ideas. Ideas informing the life span of a coach within an elite team are explored. The researcher engaged four subjects in conversations the life span of a coach in an elite team. these conversations are viewed as co-constructions of realities. The coach abides within a team for a limited time. he or she enters an existing ecology of ideas, which can contribute to, or detract from, the efficacy of the coach in a team. This ecology of ideas evolves as aold meanings shift and new meanings emerge. These menings are explored in this disertation. An awareness of the ecology of ideas within a team can inform the coach to perturb the ecology of ideas in a direction that is mutually qualified as successful / Psychology / M.A. (Clinical psychology)

This dissertation explores the construction and experience of the sports champion's reality. In studying reality and its construction, I became familiar with, the post-modern perspective of reality and with theories such as systems theory, cybernetics, radical constructivism and social constructionism, which fall under the post-modern epistemological umbrella. The dissertation gives an exposition of my journey through this maze of theories, from a position of "knowing" how champions are made towards a more complex position of uncertainty and possibility. This is followed by an account of the qualitative research that I undertook, within a social constructionist framework, in which I used thematic discourse analysis. Finally, I interpret the discourses emerging from the analysis in order to demonstrate their operation or effect in the construction of a champion's reality. / Psychology / M.A. (Clinical Psychology)

In this study, hypnotic analgesia in obstetrics is explained in terms of ecosystemic thinking, as opposed to traditional conceptualisations of hypnosis. Five case studies were used. Each case is described in detail, as well as the therapeutic rationale behind each case, in order to present the reader with an understanding for the thinking behind the doing of ecosystemic hypnotherapy. The study utilises a new paradigm approach to research which is explained and is in keeping with ecosystemic epistemology. / Psychology / M.A. (Clinical Psychology)

A presente pesquisa analisa a interlocução entre a Educação de Jovens e Adultos (EJA) e a Educação Especial, por meio da construção de narrativas associadas às trajetórias de vida de três jovens com deficiência, matriculados na EJA, na Rede Pública Estadual de Ensino do Rio Grande do Sul, em escolas localizadas no município de Porto Alegre. A partir dos pressupostos da metodologia de história oral, a entrevista aberta foi utilizada como instrumento de pesquisa, tendo, como foco principal, as trajetórias escolares desses sujeitos. Integram ainda as ações da pesquisa: a análise dos indicadores numéricos do Censo Escolar da Educação Básica (anos 2010 e 2011) referentes à Educação Especial na Rede Estadual de Ensino do RS; a visitação e a observação em quatro escolas estaduais que apresentam número elevado de matrículas de pessoas com deficiência na Educação de Jovens e Adultos; a pesquisa exploratória sobre as produções acadêmicas, envolvendo temáticas atinentes à pesquisa. A abordagem sistêmica do pensamento científico constitui os pilares de sustentação teórica desta pesquisa, prioritariamente, as investigações feitas pelos estudiosos Gregory Bateson e Humberto Maturana. Após a transcrição das entrevistas, foram identificados, como eixos para a análise, os processos de estigmatização do Eu; as relações interpessoais (o eu e o outro); os percursos de escolarização e as possibilidades de Ser dos sujeitos. A construção das narrativas foi aliada à discussão das concepções de memória e temporalidades e de identidades individuais e coletivas, a partir do diálogo com os pressupostos da metodologia de história oral e do pensamento sistêmico. A construção das narrativas possibilitou as seguintes considerações: a necessidade de olhar o jovem e o adulto com deficiência além de suas condições orgânicas e de vê-los como sujeitos que têm possibilidades amplas e singulares de viver e aprender e que estas são afetadas pelo contexto social em que estão inseridos; o entendimento de que as trajetórias humanas dos jovens e adultos com deficiência, influenciadas pela cultura e pela linguagem, mostram que as necessidades e anseios desses jovens estão muito próximos das necessidades e anseios dos jovens do grupo social do qual fazem parte; a observação da importância atribuída pelos sujeitos aos processos de comunicação que lhes permitam desenvolver a relação de pertencimento e a participação social; a afirmação da influência dos processos estigmatizadores na restrição das possibilidades desses sujeitos, tanto na dimensão individual como na coletiva; a percepção do fracasso escolar como marca no percurso de escolarização desses sujeitos, reafirmando a constatação histórica de que o ensino exclusivamente especializado não tem cumprido o papel de ser uma etapa transitória na vida desses alunos; da repetição, no ensino comum, de estratégias que indicam a suposta incapacidade desses sujeitos e que são visíveis a partir da configuração de “arranjos escolares”, como a oferta da EJA no turno diurno; a premência de políticas públicas que confiram visibilidade à reflexão e à ação sobre a oferta do Atendimento Educacional Especializado (AEE) para jovens e adultos com deficiência; a necessidade de potencializar o diálogo entre as áreas da Educação Especial e da Educação de Jovens e Adultos, para o enfrentamento coletivo e multidisciplinar das situações desafiadoras que se apresentam. / This study analyzes the interlocution between Education of Young Adults and Adults (EJA) and Special Education through the construction of narratives associated with the life trajectories of three young people with disabilities enrolled in the EJA program of the Public Education Network of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, in schools located in the city of Porto Alegre. From the assumptions of the oral history methodology, the open interview was used as a research tool, focusing mainly on the school trajectories of these subjects. The following actions are also part of this research: the analysis of numeric indicators of the Basic Education Census (2010 and 2011) regarding Special Education in schools of the public education network of the State of RS; visitations and observations carried out in four state schools with a high number of enrollments of people with disabilities in the EJA program, and exploratory research of the academic work related to this theme. The systemic approach of the scientific thought constitutes the theoretical pillar of this research, particularly the investigations conducted by the scholars Gregory Bateson and Humberto Maturana. After the transcription of the interviews, the following items were identified as axis for the analysis: the processes of stigmatization of the self; interpersonal relationships (the self and others); the paths of schooling and the possibilities of being of the subject. The construction of narratives was linked to the discussion of the concepts of memory and temporality and of individual and collective identities, based on dialog, with the assumptions of the oral history methodology and systems thinking. The construction of narratives allowed the following considerations: the necessity of looking beyond the organic conditions of young adults and adults with disabilities and of seeing them as individuals with extensive and unique opportunities to live and learn, affected by the social context in which they are inserted; the understanding that the human trajectories of young adults and adults with disabilities, influenced by culture and language, shows that their needs and desires are closely related to the needs and aspirations of the young people of the social group to which they belong; the observation of the importance attributed by the subjects to the communication processes which enable them to develop a belonging relationship and social interaction; the assertion of the influence of the stigmatizing processes in restricting the possibilities of these subjects, both in the individual and the collective dimensions; the perception of school failure as a stain in the education processes of the subjects, reaffirming the historical finding that the exclusively specialized education has not fulfilled the role of transitory stage in the life of these students; the repetition, in the common education, of strategies indicating the supposed inability of these subjects, visible from the setting of “arranging school” such as the EJA day shift; the urgency of public policies giving visibility to the reflection and the action on the provision of Specialized Care Education (AEE) for young adults and adults with disabilities; the necessity to strength the dialogue between the areas of Special Education and Education of Young Adults and Adults, to the collective and multidisciplinary confrontation of the challenging situations. / Este estudio analiza la interacción entre la Educación para Jóvenes y Adultos (EJA) y La Educación Especial, a través de la construcción de narrativas basadas en experiencias de vida de 3 jóvenes con discapacidad, matriculados en la educación para adultos, en la Red Estatal de Educación Pública de Rio Grande do Sul, en escuelas ubicadas en la ciudad de Porto Alegre. Partiendo de los presupuestos contemplados en la metodología de la historia oral, se utilizó la entrevista abierta como una herramienta de investigación, con el objetivo principal de alcanzar a las trayectorias escolares de estos sujetos. Integran también esta investigación: análisis de los datos numéricos de la Educación Básica (2010 y 2011), relacionados con la Educación Especial en las escuelas públicas de Rio Grande do Sul; visitas y observación de cuatro escuelas públicas que cuentan con gran número de inscripciones de personas con discapacidad en la Educación para Jóvenes y Adultos (EJA); investigación exploratoria sobre las producciones académicas, relacionadas con el tema de la investigación. El enfoque sistémico de pensamiento científico se constituye como pilar teórico de este estudio, especialmente, el presente en las investigaciones realizadas por los estudiosos Gregory Bateson e Humberto Maturana. Después de transcribir las entrevistas, fueron identificados, como ejes para el análisis, los procesos de estigmatización de identidad; relaciones interpersonales (yo y el otro) la trayectoria y las posibilidades de ser del sujeto. La construcción de narrativas se alió a un debate sobre los conceptos de memoria y de la temporalidad y de las identidades individuales y colectivas, desde la integración con los presupuestos de la metodología de la historia oral y el pensamiento sistémico. La construcción de narrativas possibilitó las siguientes consideraciones: la necesidad de mirar a los jóvenes y adultos con discapacidad más allá de sus condiciones orgánicas; verlos como personas que tienen amplias oportunidades de vivir y aprender, y que estas están afectadas por el entorno en que se insertan; la comprensión de que las trayectorias personales de los jóvenes y adultos con discapacidad, influenciadas por la cultura y el lenguaje, muestra que las necesidades y los deseos de estos jóvenes están muy cerca de las necesidades y aspiraciones de los jóvenes del grupo social al que pertenecen; la observación de la importancia atribuida por los sujetos a los procesos de comunicación que les permitan desarrollar una relación de pertenencia y participación social; la afirmación de la influencia de los procesos de estigma en la restricción de las posibilidades de estas personas, tanto en la vida escolar de estos individuos, lo que ratifica la conclusión histórica de que la educación discriminada no ha alcanzado su objetivo de ser una etapa transitoria en la vida de estos estudiantes; la repetición en la enseñanza, de estrategias comunes, que indican una presunción de incapacidad de estos sujetos, y que son identificables desde la concepción de la “organización escolar”, como el ejemplo de la oferta de la Educación de Jóvenes y Adultos en el turno diurno, la urgencia de políticas públicas que den visibilidad a la reflexión y a la acción sobre la oferta de Atención Educacional Especializada (AEE) para jóvenes y adultos con discapacidad; la necesidad de fortalecer el diálogo entre las áreas de Educación Especial y Educación de Jóvenes y Adultos, para enfrentamiento colectivo y multidisciplinar contra los desafíos que se presentan.