Inclusão e acessibilidade: audiodescrição das configurações de mãos da libras para pessoas com deficiência visual a partir de um estudo de caso na UFRJ

Abstract

This research analyzes audio description strategies for Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) for visually impaired individuals. The investigation arose from the need for accessible materials to teach Libras to this group, which faces barriers in accessing Libras content, making a more autonomous teaching-learning process challenging. Furthermore, professionals in education and accessibility who encounter this challenge for the first time also struggle to find examples and guidance for this type of description. The main objective is to analyze how to describe handshapes, one of the phonological parameters of Libras, so they can be used in screen reader programs. Hand configurations are compositional units of signs with no isolated meaning, which combine simultaneously and sequentially to form signs in the language. The research method adopted includes an exploratory qualitative approach with a single case study. Action research was used, involving two visually impaired students from the Faculty of Letters at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), one of whom participated as a (non-professional) consultant for the audio descriptions, and the other for the final test. The research involved a literature review on inclusive education, public policies, and technical guidelines relevant to the topic, in addition to a semi-structured interview. The research concludes that a didactic description of hand configuration needs to consider the dynamic nature of language signaling rather than just a static image. An accurate and detailed description of the handshape is essential for effective signing. The resulting descriptions led to a PDF support material that can be used by both students and professionals in the field, as well as educators. Further research is recommended in the field of Libras descriptions, as well as the promotion of knowledge, training, and public policies supporting the inclusion and accessibility of visually and hearing-impaired individuals.