Barriers to Education Access for People with Disabilities in Brazil: Legal and Social Perspectives

Perspectivas Jurídicas e Sociais

Abstract

This article explores the historical trajectory of including people with disabilities in Brazil, from post-World War II challenges to the consolidation of fundamental rights in the 1988 Federal Constitution. It emphasizes the paradigm shift from exclusion to inclusion, with a focus on inclusive education. The text delves into the educational context, highlighting disparities in literacy and enrollment rates between people with and without disabilities. It presents relevant legislations such as the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and underscores resistance in certain sectors of society. The conclusion underscores the need for inclusive educational policies, addressing challenges and fostering a culture that respects differences. According to Alexis de Tocqueville, a 19th-century French thinker, the true measure of a democracy is how it treats its minorities.