Story
Why full inclusion in a Brazilian college helps their students succeed
Here’s how a college student with multiple disabilities and low vision finds success in school.
Picture the excitement of stepping foot on your first day of college. You’re diving into a whole new academic world, different from the familiar halls of high school. You can’t wait to meet new people and enjoy the social and academic experiences.
But now, sitting in your first class, you encounter an unexpected hurdle. You can’t decipher the writing on the board, and you have trouble following your teacher and classmates when they speak. Suddenly, what should be an exciting day becomes stressful, and you feel isolated even in the crowded room.
Victor’s journey to an inclusive education
For students with disabilities, navigating their education often presents unique challenges that hinder their full inclusion in the classroom.—or worse, prevent them from attending school altogether. But what if these barriers were dismantled, and their needs were not just met but exceeded?
Meet Victor Gabriel from Brazil, a 21-year-old Accounting major at the State University of Tocantins. Victor was diagnosed with multiple disabilities and low vision at a very young age. His grandmother raised him alongside his siblings.
Victor’s journey with language was anything but typical. Initially, he could only emit sounds to communicate. His breakthrough came later in life, as he slowly acquired language skills through interactions at home with his family. By the time he reached elementary school, Victor could speak, though not without difficulty forming clear sentences.
It wasn’t until 6th grade at La Salle School that Victor received the support he needed from the specialized Educational Assistance Service (AEE). Guided by his mentor and teacher, Lucíola de Alvim Costa Lima, and a speech therapist, Victor Gabriel finally received the tailored support that would unlock his communication abilities. Then in 2019, Victor’s school became part of Perkins’ Model Programs Approach to enhance educational opportunities for students with disabilities in Brazilian regular schools.
Perkins International Academy
As part of the Perkins Model Programs Approach, we offer online courses for teachers and educators of teaching children with disabilities. These trainings are available through Perkins and are known as Perkins International Academy. These courses utilize students with disabilities from the school as case studies, allowing teachers to apply their knowledge in a practical setting and provide them with tailored support.
Victor Gabriel learned independent living skills through PIA. The course introduced interventions that promoted these skills and socio-educational approaches, enriching his educational experience. He also received support in motor coordination activities and speech therapy. According to Luciola, Victor engaged in these activities with great interest and dedication during class, enabling him to unlock his potential and receive a quality education tailored to his needs.
For Lucíola, PIA training not only benefits students like him but also fosters a transformative shift in pedagogical practices that impacts all children.
“I am pleased with Victor’s progress. He’s an inspiration to the students at the school. It’s very rewarding, knowing that you as a teacher can contribute. It’s a job we dedicate ourselves to, but it’s also so important to receive this exchange of experiences from students in our daily lives.”
Victor Gabriel heads to college
Entering university in 2022 marked a significant milestone for Victor, achieved through a competitive entrance exam. In Brazil, securing a spot in public universities is no small feat, given their status of academic excellence. For Victor, the journey was daunting. He knew from the beginning that it would be a challenge. When thinking about introducing himself to his new classmates, he shared it was distressing to imagine that people would not understand his speech. However, he was warmly welcomed by a team at the university committed to ensuring his rights and making his academic experience a positive one.
The university’s proactive approach highlights its dedication to Victor’s success. The coordinator of the Accounting program, Ana Paula Monteiro de Oliveira, facilitated all communication with the CMTO La Salle school team and visited Victor Gabriel’s former school to better understand his needs. With enlarged academic materials and exclusive access to a classroom computer, Victor is able to actively participate in lectures. Recently, Victor proudly shared that he purchased a headphone to use with the class computer, which is now equipped with a screen reader. Additionally, his classmate, Marinalva, assists him during lessons, a process that will result in a scholarship and certification for her work.
Victor’s experience at college has been truly engaging and successful. Not only has he excelled academically, earning good grades, but he has also seamlessly integrated socially with his peers. Furthermore, he recently won the scientific research contest at UNITAR. His research focused on Inclusion and Diversity in Organizational Settings.
“Back when I arrived at La Salle’s school, I didn’t really feel like a citizen. But years later, with the help of Professor Lucíola, who assisted me in developing my skills and encouraged me to overcome my obstacles, there was a lot of work for my growth in both my academic and personal life. I think it worked out great because I was accepted into the university.” Victor Gabriel
A Vision for Inclusion: Navigating Future Challenges
Victor’s journey is not solitary; alongside him are peers like Isabela and Maria Vitória, veterinary students also supported by teacher Lucíola, who have successfully transitioned to university life. Lucíola guided all the students through their application process and helped them create a vision for their future. Today, they continue to receive support through the school’s Multifunctional Resource Room, a space equipped with resources for specialized assistance to students in inclusion. They benefit from dedicated guidance from Professor Lucíola, receiving additional pedagogical and academic support, as well as assistance in developing autonomous life skills when facing challenges at college.
Victor’s journey is a testament to the power of inclusive education and the transformative impact of dedicated support. As we celebrate his achievements, let us recognize the importance of creating environments where every student, regardless of ability, can unlock not only educational, but professional opportunities through life. Together, we can build a future where every individual has the opportunity to reach their full potential regardless of disabilities.
By creating environments where every student, regardless of ability, can flourish, we pave the way for a future where all individuals have the opportunity to find their place in the world.
