The inclusion of deaf students in higher education: challenges of this reality

Abstract

This study originated from the course Didactics of Higher Education, part of the graduate program in Education at the Universidade Federal de of São Carlos (UFSCar). Our objective was to understand the ongoing challenges related to the inclusion and retention of the deaf community in higher education. To this end, we invited three individuals directly involved with the deaf community-two university professors of Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) and one former deaf student in higher education-to participate in semi-structured interviews. These interviews explored the challenges still faced by the deaf community in the processes of accessibility and permanence in higher education. The research was conducted and grounded in a qualitative paradigm, which focuses on the subjective aspects emerging within a particular social group-in this case, deaf individuals. We understand that, considering a history marked by struggles, lack of recognition, and disrespect, deaf people have had to endure a long and difficult journey to gain respect and not be labeled as incapable by society. This process has also been reflected in their integration into the academic environment. Through this study, we observed that this topic still requires discussion and concrete actions to reflect on and to improve how accessibility for deaf individuals occurs - and should occur - within the university environment, enabling them to develop as individuals and as highly qualified professionals for the job market.