This month (July 6th) we celebrate the anniversary of the Brazilian Inclusion Law (LBI), a significant milestone for the rights of people with disabilities in Brazil since its enactment in 2016. And why, despite being so recent, is it so important? Known as the Statute of Persons with Disabilities, this legislation is essential to guarantee the inclusion and full citizenship of people with disabilities. The LBI establishes fundamental rights such as accessibility, school inclusion, quotas in the job market, and equal opportunities for all Brazilian citizens, in both public and private institutions.
Based on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol, the LBI defines a person with a disability as someone who has a long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairment which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society as a whole. Today, this group represents 24% of the country (45.6 million people). That is, approximately 1 in 4 Brazilians are people with disabilities.
Education and School Inclusion
One of the most important sections of the Brazilian Law for the Inclusion of People with Disabilities (LBI) concerns inclusive education. The law encourages the use of assistive technologies and adaptive resources to ensure that all students have access to learning. As we know, although Brazil has made progress with public inclusion policies, there are still significant challenges to overcome, such as physical, social, and pedagogical barriers, to guarantee equal and quality access to education for all.
The LBI mandates necessary adaptations and the provision of resources to allow full participation in school activities, including leisure and recreation. From an early age, it prohibits the refusal of enrollment for students with disabilities under any circumstances, also requiring schools to offer instruction in Libras (Brazilian Sign Language) and Braille, in addition to hiring school support professionals to assist in students’ daily activities.
Colibri and the Brazilian Inclusion Law: Transforming Inclusive Education
Founded in 2009 as Geraes, renamed TiX Tecnologia Assistiva in 2019, and since 2023 as a spin-off, Colibri is an innovative initiative focused on transforming education through accessible technological solutions. In partnership with education and technology specialists, Colibri develops platforms that promote digital and educational inclusion, facilitating access to learning for people with disabilities. Its adaptable and integrated tools are aligned with the principles of the Brazilian Inclusion Law, always seeking to guarantee a more inclusive and equitable school environment.
