Língua Brasileira de Sinais (Libras) : inserção formal da disciplina na graduação em saúde coletiva no Brasil

Abstract

Brazilian Sign Language (LIBRAS), recognized in Brazil as one of the official language, refer to visuospatial expression and communication of Brazilian deaf community. Public Health, an interdisciplinary field of knowledge and social practices, require a professional committed to the dignity of human life and the defense of public health as a universal right. Therefore, it is essential to include disciplines in the academic training path, like LIBRAS, with contents that allow acting in Health that conside vulnerability due to hearing impairment, while respecting diversity and sociocultural aspects of deaf community in country. Through a quantitative quali approach and use descriptive-exploratory documentary research, formal insertion of Libras discipline in Public Health undergraduate courses in Brazil was mapped. The results show LIBRAS in 70% of courses, level optional and basic, between 30 to 68 hours. The study confirms need for qualification of LIBRAS discipline for that future health workers are able to perform interventions in health realities as transformative and inclusive social practices.