FROM WORKING IN IMMUNOLOGY TO TEACHING SCIENCE TO DEAF STUDENTS IN BASIC EDUCATION – A PATHWAY

Technological and scientific advances in Brazil, as well as the current emphasis on innovation, mean that there is a need in our country for qualified individuals in the areas of science and technology. Theoretically, this necessity would also make room for individuals with disabilities, whose capabilities are often ignored. However, despite Brazil being one of the countries in the world with the most advanced set of laws on accessibility, there are difficulties in implementing them. The offer of more qualified jobs for these individuals depends on a better training. There is an immediate barrier faced by young people with some type of disability interested in science. School teachers usually took a degree, which allows them to teach, and made this option over a baccalaureate, which presupposes training individuals for the job market. As a result, not only did many teachers not experience scientific investigation, but they were not trained to find solutions when faced with students who need adaptations. In 1985, a scientist Leopoldo de Meis, started to offer at the university a whole week course for secondary school pupils and teachers. According to de Meis methodology the student needs to be curious about some aspect of a subject . It is curiosity that moves science. Twenty years later the methodology was adapted by us for Deaf students and PROJETO SURDOS-UFRJ was created.