A trajetória de estudantes com deficiência e sua inclusão na Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná - Unioeste

Abstract

This research addresses the trajectory of students with disabilities and their inclusion at the State University of Western Paraná (UNIOESTE). Its general objective is to present the process of inclusion of these students at UNIOESTE, on the Foz do Iguaçu campus, from access through the entrance exam process, entry and stay until the completion of undergraduate courses. The specific objectives consist of sharing the main public inclusion policies for students with disabilities in the Brazilian educational process and in the state of Paraná and understanding the inclusion process at UNIOESTE, in Foz do Iguaçu. This is a qualitative study, with a view to analyzing how Specialized Educational Assistance (AEE) is provided at UNIOESTE, and identifying which factors contributed to the inclusion of students with disabilities, as well as the challenges they encounter in Higher Education. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five students with disabilities enrolled in undergraduate courses at UNIOESTE during the second semester of 2023. It is concluded that UNIOESTE has a well-established Institutional Program for Actions Relating to People with Special Needs (PEE), which carries out various actions that involve individualized assistance to students with disabilities, such as specialized educational service teacher, professional Libras interpreter, publication of research, participation of the external community and teacher training activities. However, despite there being legal support that guarantees the elimination of barriers to the entry of people with disabilities into the University in question, the need for support to guarantee the permanence of these students in Higher Education is still noticeable. It is expected that the results of this research will contribute to the development of public policies that promote the inclusion process, ensuring quality education for all.