INCLUSIVE SCHOOL EDUCATION FOR DEAF STUDENTS

Abstract

The inclusion of students with hearing impairments in mainstream schools is a topic whose relevance is affirmed by Brazilian legislation. The inclusion of people with hearing disabilities in the educational process is established by the Brazilian Inclusion Law and the National Education Guidelines and Framework Law (LDB). Both laws ensure the participation and interaction of deaf and hearing individuals in social and school environments, emphasizing the importance of sharing experiences among diverse groups within the community. The school environment requires specific structures and knowledge, and educators must adapt their teaching methodologies to adequately welcome these students. The need to address the specific educational needs of these students is acknowledged and guaranteed by legal mechanisms, which establish the right to bilingual education throughout their academic development—using Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) as the first language and Portuguese as the second. The objective of this article is to present reflections on the inclusion of deaf students in schools.