Alternativas inclusivas para surdos no curso de Engenharia Florestal

Abstract

In Brazil, there are approximately ten million deaf individuals, and despite their significant numbers, few can access higher education due to the various barriers they face in social environments frequented by hearing individuals. It is understood that educational settings should increasingly strive to reduce these obstacles so that everyone can have equal opportunities for learning. The aim of this study was to explore inclusive alternatives for deaf students in Forestry Engineering courses. To achieve this goal, a quantitative survey of deaf students in all active Brazilian universities offering Forestry Engineering programs was conducted. In this phase, four deaf students were identified, who contributed to the development of inclusive alternatives through a questionnaire administered via Google Forms. The lack of adapted materials, qualified sign language interpreters with expertise in the subjects taught, and availability to assist deaf students in extracurricular activities were the most common issues raised, despite national laws that guarantee access to sign language interpreters (LIBRAS) or any other assistive technology by educational institutions. Alternatives, such as adopting a total communication educational approach and adapting teaching methodologies to ensure comprehension of the subject matter, can help improve the performance of deaf students. The creation of videos covering forestryrelated topics involved the participation of both deaf and hearing individuals, facilitating relevant discussions on the subject and identifying the absence of signs for technical terms. In conclusion, curriculum adaptations need to be made according to each student's needs. There is a necessity for increased hiring and provision of LIBRAS interpreters in educational institutions, as well as the creation of signs for technical terms. Additionally, there should be inclusive promotion of the course and its activities to enrich the educational experience.