National Libras Day: GDF invests in accessibility and autonomy

22 years ago, the Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) was recognized by Law No. 10,436 as a legal means of communication in Brazilian territory. In honor of the milestone, this Thursday (24) National Libras Day is celebrated, a tool of expression and autonomy for the deaf community.

The Federal District is one of the pioneering units of the federation in the implementation of a Libras Interpretation Center (CIL) – available to serve the deaf community, at the 112 Sul Station –, as well as the creation of a system online for 24-hour assistance to this public, through an application.

The initiatives of the Government of the Federal District (GDF) also include educational projects implemented in the public education network. The proposals are aimed at the dignity and independence of the 10,774 people who have some type of hearing impairment in the DF, according to data from the Federal District Research and Statistics Institute (IPEDF).

“This law brought security to us, as a deaf community, so we can communicate using this language. Before, I can say that we had many barriers and difficulties. But, with the power of the law – which was born here in Brasília –, we can say that we have experienced many advances. We are not yet 100%, but Libras needs to be increasingly publicized and supported, to spread itself as a language”, emphasizes the director of Communication Accessibility at the Secretariat for Persons with Disabilities of the DF (Sepd-DF), Waldimar Carvalho da Silva.

A former teacher at Escola Bilíngue de Taguatinga, the employee emphasizes that the date is important to remember that teaching aimed at inclusion also needs to be disseminated among hearing people, that is, those who do not have a hearing aid deficiency.

“Listeners have to understand, have the maturity to accept our communication. As a deaf person, I have already experienced and realized that people often do not receive this in a positive way. There is a lack of learning for people, to respect ourselves as deaf people, in the place of pain that we have”, he highlights.

Accessibility in classrooms

Since the initial stages of development, the DF public education network has had a series of initiatives that promote inclusion and accessibility, in search of equal opportunities for the deaf community. According to the Department of Education, 825 deaf students are enrolled in educational institutions, of which 818 have some hearing impairment and seven are deafblind.

Also according to the folder, 337 classes provide assistance to students with some type of hearing aid limitation. Among them, 118 are bilingual classes, 17 differentiated bilingual classes, 182 mediated bilingual classes and another 20 exclusive to Youth and Adult Education (EJA).

The Escola Bilíngue de Taguatinga (QNH 01/03 Special Area 1 and 2) serves students with hearing impairments and hearing children of deaf parents, in classes designed for people with disabilities, and not adapted for them.

“Sign language is a right acquired by deaf people, because it is their means of communication and instruction. It is through this that the deaf person is able to express themselves, and with teaching designed for them, they will be able to actively participate, feel included, understanding the teacher, being able to respond, participating. In the future, he will become a critical and conscious citizen, which is the proposal of the Department of Education”, explains the supervisor of the educational institution, Adriana Reis.

The school welcomes students from all segments – from early childhood education to high school and Youth and Adult Education (EJA), full-time. There is also early stimulation for children between six months and 3 years old, with weekly services. It’s a way to prepare little ones to start school.

In addition to CIL, the DF is also a pioneer in creating a system online for 24-hour assistance to this public, through an application

Those interested in enrolling in the Bilingual School, or those responsible, must appear in person at the school unit’s office to request a place or transfer of the student from another school. This procedure can be requested throughout the year.

Accessibility tools

Another recent achievement by Brasilia residents is DF Libras CIL Online. Launched in December 2023 by the Secretariat for Persons with Disabilities (Sepd-DF), the platform offers free service in Brazilian Sign Language, ensuring citizens’ communication with public bodies, in an accessible and digital way, at any time and at all times. days of the week.

Access to the tool is via a QR Code, which connects the user to a video call with a Libras interpreter. The code is available in various facilities of the Government of the Federal District (GDF), such as basic health units (UBSs), emergency care units (UPA), social assistance reference centers (Cras) and legal assistance centers of the Public Defender’s Office (DPDF).

Former teacher at Escola Bilíngue de Taguatinga, Waldimar Carvalho da Silva highlights that the date is important to remember that teaching aimed at inclusion also needs to be disseminated among hearing people, that is, those who do not have a hearing aid deficiency

From launch, on December 6, 2023, until April 4, the program totaled almost 90 hours of use and reached 4,526 accesses. During the period, which covers four months, an average of 37 daily calls were recorded.

According to the director of the Libras Interpretation Center, Alexandre Castro, the system implemented by the GDF is the fastest in the country, with service expected to take up to 90 seconds. “Over the last few years, we have had important achievements, such as this 24-hour tool, and other initiatives to serve the population. We save people from critical situations and contribute to access to government policies”, highlights the professional.

There are also citizens who prefer to visit the center in person to help the translators. This is the case of Ana Karoline Silva de Araújo, 30 years old, who was at CIL this Wednesday (24) seeking assistance for an INSS assessment.

“I found out about this service here at CIL when I came with my mother, a long time ago”, says Ana Karoline, in Libras. “So, I discovered that I didn’t need to depend on her, I could solve things on my own. As I am of legal age, this autonomy to do things, without needing a family member, is very important to me,” she continues.

Seliane Almeida Rocha, 36, discovered the service through social media. Born in Pombal, in the interior of Paraíba, the administrative inspector moved to DF with her family, in search of a better quality of life, and celebrates the advances in terms of accessibility in the capital. However, she emphasizes that establishments and citizens still need to move forward in this regard.

“CIL is very important, because it helps us in terms of accessibility. I need medical attention, I call an interpreter, I need information about a government program, I come here. CIL is our information hub. It is essential to have a space for ourselves, with this care”, he assesses.