INCLUSION AS A SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: THE ACCESSIBILITY CENTERS OF THE FEDERAL INSTITUTE OF RIO DE JANEIRO AND THE POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE OF VISEU IN PORTUGAL

Abstract

This work is an excerpt from a doctoral thesis that aimed to analyze the policies in the area of ​​Social Responsibility found in the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Rio de Janeiro (IFRJ) and the Polytechnic Institute of Viseu (IPV), regarding the inclusion of students with disabilities and specific needs. In this work, the Accessibility Centers are presented, highlighting Social Responsibility and the legal and normative advances for access to education for People with Disabilities (PwDs) and with specific needs. This study is within the scope of research with qualitative and quantitative approaches, and uses participatory research employing bibliographic research, analysis of documentary collections, and interviews as data collection instruments. The research results showed that IPV managers practice inclusion as Social Responsibility and emphasize the importance of consolidating an inclusive culture through actions and projects. The accessibility centers, despite the difficulties, have demonstrated a commitment to inclusion. Other aspects highlighted include the urgent need for changes in management attitudes so that inclusion is truly effective. We hope that the issues raised by this research will contribute to the spread of a culture of inclusion and human rights, generating a continuous and productive dialogue to promote inclusion as a Social Responsibility.