English/US
Senator Teresa Leitão (PT-PE) has introduced Bill 4641/2024, which proposes the creation of the National Inclusion Policy in Higher Education Institutions, covering both public and private universities. The initiative aims to strengthen inclusive education by expanding affirmative action measures for people with disabilities, neurodevelopmental disorders, high abilities, and giftedness.
The main objective of the bill is to ensure equal opportunities by eliminating architectural, pedagogical, technological, attitudinal, communicational, and informational barriers that hinder these students’ access, retention, and full participation in the university environment. To achieve this, the proposal includes the adoption of assistive technologies and other innovations tailored to special educational needs, as well as the creation of programs to promote accessibility and educational inclusion.
Another key aspect of the bill is the encouragement of cooperation between higher education institutions, research centers, and civil society organizations to develop and disseminate inclusive teaching practices and materials. According to data from the National Institute for Educational Studies and Research Anísio Teixeira (INEP), between 2019 and 2023, the number of students with disabilities enrolled in higher education increased by 91%—a growth rate nearly six times higher than that of the total number of new students in the same period. However, retaining these students remains a challenge due to the lack of adequate infrastructure, adapted materials, and specialized support.
Senator Teresa Leitão emphasized that, despite advances in inclusion, educational policies aimed at this group still have weaknesses. According to her, the proposal is a response to the growing demand for measures that ensure accessibility and autonomy for students in the academic environment while respecting their physical, intellectual, and cultural conditions.
The bill will be reviewed by the Senate Human Rights Committee before proceeding to the next stages of the legislative process.
Source: Senado Federal – Rádio Senado