TOUCH BRAILLE: Tecnologia Assistiva para Leitura e Escrita Braille

Abstract

This dissertation presents a discussion on assistive technology and Braille teaching and learning for visually impaired people, teachers and family members. The specific objective is to identify how accessible Braille teaching can contribute to teaching and learning by promoting the inclusion of all. The research was designed and applied at the Bento Munhoz da Rocha Neto Municipal School, in the municipality of Marechal Cândido Rondon, Paraná, with regular school teachers, a Specialized Educational Assistance teacher, pedagogical coordination and school management. As an instrument for data collection and analysis, a questionnaire designed and applied via Google Forms was used to obtain information about the knowledge of Braille teaching among the interviewees. The general objective of the research was to identify and analyze strategies and possibilities for reflecting on pedagogical practice, guiding its actions and educational intentions to strengthen practices for school inclusion of this specific audience of special education, for teaching and learning Braille through an application. The methodology used was exploratory and descriptive in nature with a qualitative focus, allowing an in-depth analysis of the perceptions and experiences of those involved. Data analysis was carried out through the construction of a dialogue between the problem raised, the literature and the objectives of the study. Given the observations and considering that technological advances point to new resources and tools that can be used to access knowledge, for the proposed educational product, an application, “Braille for All”, was created, which aims to meet the possibilities of applicability of Braille teaching in digital format for Braille teaching, with the development of software. The justification for this study presents the reasons that led to the choice of this theme, demonstrating the positive potential of Haptic technology, which allows tactile interaction between the user and a system, including vibrations, providing a more immersive and realistic experience. The research contemplates Design Science Research (DSR), which is an advanced research method in science and technology that, when correctly applied, becomes a powerful ally in inclusive education, especially in teaching the Braille system.