DEVELOPMENT OF A SEX EDUCATION BOOKLET IN SIGN LANGUAGE: AN INCLUSIVE RESOURCE FOR THE DEAF

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.15953325201112

• Palavras-chave: Sex Education; Accessibility; Sign Language.

• Keywords: Sex Education; Accessibility; Sign Language.

• Abstract:

  Sex education is a fundamental right, but it is still largely inaccessible to the deaf community due to the scarcity of appropriate materials in Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) and the lack of trained professionals. This barrier compromises autonomy, privacy, and understanding of essential information about sexual health, increasing risks related to sexually transmitted infections, unplanned pregnancy, and sexual violence. Given this reality, this project aims to develop an accessible sex education booklet in Libras, based on the identification of the communication and cultural needs of the deaf population. The methodology involves literature review, interviews, focus groups, multimodal development of the material (videos, texts, and illustrations), validation with experts, and pilot tests with deaf people. The proposal is based on national education and health guidelines, such as the National Curriculum Parameters (MEC, 1997), and on studies that highlight gaps in access to information, such as Bisol (2008) and Kennedy & Buchholz (1995). It is hoped that the booklet will contribute to reducing information inequalities, promoting inclusion, autonomy, and strengthening the sexual health of the deaf community. The project also seeks to raise awareness among health and education professionals about the importance of communication accessibility, reinforcing the rights provided for in the Brazilian Inclusion Law.