Brazil is known for its rich cultural diversity within the hearing and deaf community. Over the past couple of years, the government has had a deep commitment to recognizing the unique challenges faced by different marginalized groups, the Brazilian legal system has tried to protect the rights of the deaf community. Through legislative measures and humanitarian organizations. Brazil has taken progressive steps to ensure equal opportunities and access to justice for individuals who are dead
This post explores the legal rights given to the deaf community in Brazil. We will learn about the various aspects of their lives, including education, employment, healthcare, media, and participation in public life. We will also learn about the legal rights and protection for deaf people in Brazil by looking at the initiatives towards inclusion for the deaf community.
Brazilian Sign Language
As with every deaf community, Brazil also has unique Sign Languages. Língua Brasileira de Sinais (LIBRAS) formed naturally in the deaf community and includes some loan signs from langue des signes française (French Sign Language). The urban communities in Brazil primarily use this form of Sign Language. The other widely used is Brazilian Sign Language. Both are independent languages from Brazilian Portuguese. They have different grammar, lexicon, and other factors.
Língua Brasileira de Sinais is a fundamental part of life and culture for the deaf Brazilian community. It’s the only form of communication to connect and build a rich culture and was recognized in 2002.
Inclusion for Education
Having a proper and quality education impacts one generation to the next. For the deaf community, having access to the same quality of education as a hearing person has been difficult, because of the need to modify the curriculum. However, one person changed the lives and future of deaf education in Brazil.
In 1855, Hernest Huet, a French professor highly praised in the field of deaf education, arrived in Brazil. He proposed a plan to educate the deaf, and the Emporer, Dom Pedro, agreed to establish the National Insititute of Education for the Deaf. It’s also important to note that Huet had been deaf since age 12, so his presence and initiative still have a lasting impact. He understood the specific needs of the deaf people.
Today, the recognition of Libras as an official sign language and allowing bilingual education has shown steady improvements for the deaf communities in Brazil. However, according to a case study, Deaf Education in Brazil, Deaf Education in Brazil: Contexts, Challenges, and Perspectives, there are still polarizing opinions with the government, the deaf movement, and the Ministry of Education. Not only this, but the biggest problem in Brazil is the education system, and enrollment rates are low as it is. That is an area that still needs to see change, especially for deaf students to have a bright future.
Employment and Labor Rights
For reference, 15 million Brazilians declare to have some disability, and being deaf falls under this category. Although the unemployment rate in Brazil has decreased (around 8% now), it still doesn’t mean that the deaf community has many opportunities. Hearing people see the deaf as deficient, creating barriers to employment opportunities. There is a lot of cultural stigma with being deaf to the point where a family would rather hide the individual from society than support the family by getting a job.
Brazil adopted the Brazilian Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities Act in 2016. It has the same premise as other laws, banning deaf people from discrimination in the job market. This law also entails that companies must provide training and reasonable accommodation so that deaf employees can perform to their maximum capacity without feeling disadvantaged.
Another clause built into the law is the quota system. According to Disabilities In, depending on the size of a company, they must meet a quota between 2-5% reserved for hiring deaf employees.
However, corruption at some level is present in many societies, including Brazil. Even if this disabilities act is a federal law, local governments must adhere to it. That doesn’t mean they actually will. Deaf individuals can take legal recourse against the employer for any violation or abuse.
Overall, this law doesn’t just encompass employment opportunities. It extends to a couple of areas in daily life, like healthcare, social services, education, and accessibility to public spaces.
Organizations for Deaf People
Many grassroots organizations promote the rights of deaf people. The Brazilian Association of the Deaf is one in particular that advocates the rights of the deaf community and focuses on well-being. There are many others, like the São Paulo Association of the Deaf. All of the organizations in Brazil have one thing in common for deaf people. They focus on improving their lives and promoting their rights as Brazilian citizens.
Telecommunication and Media
The right to access media is fundamental for everyone. Media is everywhere and keeps individuals informed about the most important things. Telecommunication accessibility for deaf people means providing closed captioning or having interpreters on-site for news broadcasts.
The National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) is a unique agency established in 1997 that regulates services for the deaf in Brazil, making TV programs accessible through video and text relay services that ensure access. It is an initiative to close the gap between the hearing and deaf communities.
Although the system isn’t perfect, this was especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when deaf people lacked accurate information and updates. Anatel continues progressing with the latest technological advancements to provide quality access for deaf communities all over Brazil.
The Future of the Deaf Community in Brazil
These legal protections, among others, aim to promote the full inclusion and participation of deaf individuals in Brazilian society, ensuring their rights to basic things and equal opportunities. Remember that laws and regulations can evolve, so it’s advisable to consult the most recent legislation or seek legal advice for accurate and up-to-date information.
To stay informed on the latest legal issues for the deaf, visit, https://www.unspokenasl.com/
Thumbnail Photo Credit to: Photo by Florencia Potter
