DEAF PEOPLE AND SPECIALIZED EDUCATIONAL SERVICES: AN EXPERIENCE REPORT FROM A PUBLIC MIDDLE SCHOOL

Abstract

This article presents a case study based on a supervised internship conducted as part of the Teacher Training Program in Language Letras Libras. The study aimed to analyze teaching practices related to the instruction of Libras in the Specialized Educational Services (AEE) program at a public middle school located in the municipality of Vitória da Conquista, Bahia. The experience took place between September and November 2022 and involved observation activities, classroom teaching, and interviews with professionals at the institution. Methodologically, this is a descriptive qualitative study based on an experience report and a reflective analysis of the observed pedagogical practices. The results show that the AEE plays a fundamental role in the linguistic and educational development of deaf students, contributing to the strengthening of Libras as a first language and to the teaching of written Portuguese as a second language. However, challenges were also identified related to the scarcity of pedagogical resources, language barriers, and structural limitations present in the school context. It is concluded that, although there have been advances in the process of school inclusion, investments are still needed in public policies, teacher training, and teaching resources to ensure more adequate conditions for the bilingual education of deaf students.