University extension guiding the inclusion of people with visual impairments through training in writing and reading in the Braille System

Abstract

This article, of a qualitative and quantitative descriptive nature, aims to describe the actions developed in the extension project entitled “Initial and Continuing In-Service Training/for learning the processes of reading and writing, of the Braille System.” To this end, the methodological procedure was the description of the project objectives, its development and analysis of the evaluation by the course participants with a view to proceeding with the presentation of the results of the extension action. The project was carried out in 2023, at the State University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande University Unit, through the Research Labo­ratory in Special Education Accessibility and Inclusion (LAPIS/UEMS). It aimed to offer introductory elements for understanding the writing used by part of the blind population and served participants from different social characteristics, including teachers, family members, blind people and UEMS students. Those registered par­ticipated in face-to-face and virtual meetings with the participation of trainers from different collaborating institutions. At the end of the course, it was suggested that students respond to a virtual questionnaire with mixed questions, to identify the contributions of the course. The results presented demonstrated that the learning and interaction of the participants was positive, however, there was a need for greater incursions through more extensive promotions on the subject, always hav­ing as an interface the proposal of education from the perspective of inclusion, con­sidering the need to reinforce the Braille System and its importance in this process.