INCLUSIVE TECHNICAL TRAINING: THE INTEGRATION OF BRAZILIAN SIGN LANGUAGE INTO OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY EDUCATION

Abstract

Vocational and Technical Education (VTE) plays a fundamental role in training skilled workers for the workforce by integrating theoretical and practical knowledge. However, in addition to technical training, it is necessary to develop educational practices that promote inclusion and accessibility. In this context, this article presents a pedagogical intervention aimed at the inclusion of deaf workers in the field of Occupational Safety, through the implementation of the Daily Safety Dialogue (DDS) mediated by Brazilian Sign Language (Libras). The project was carried out in March 2024 with students in the Technical Course in Occupational Safety at the Euclides Dantas Institute of Education in Vitória da Conquista. The methodology involved interviews, theoretical instruction on Libras and occupational safety, as well as practical simulation activities of the DDS in Libras. The results indicate that, despite the institution’s structural limitations and the students’ lack of familiarity with sign language, the activity sparked interest and broadened understanding of the importance of inclusive communication in the professional environment. It is concluded that the inclusion of Libras in technical training can contribute to safer, more accessible, and more inclusive work environments.