Annals of Medicine Research and Public Health (ISSN: 2995-5955) | Volume 5, Issue 1 | Editorial Article | Open Access DOI

Paving the way to Public Health and Education of the Brazilian Deaf Population: A 25-Year Research and Development Milestone

Fernando Cesar Capovilla^*

PhD, Full Professor, University of São Paulo, Brazil

^*Correspondence to: Fernando Cesar Capovilla 

Abstract

This editorial highlights a 25-year research and development milestone dedicated to bridging the gap in healthcare and educational accessibility for the Brazilian deaf population through systematic linguistic assessment and specialized resources. Central to this effort is the development of a comprehensive bibliographical and technological framework, including several Trilingual Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionaries of Brazilian Sign Language (Libras), a 12-volume Libras Encyclopedia, and several Handbooks of Medicine and Health in Libras. These tools, supported by the BuscaSigno computerized retrieval system for quadriplegic deaf patients, empower deaf individuals and healthcare professionals by providing a scientific basis for communication in clinical and pedagogical settings. Furthermore, the editorial discusses the Linguistic Development Assessment Program, a battery of eleven standardized, validated instruments designed to monitor competencies in Brazilian Sign Language (Libras), alphabetic reading, and spelling and speechreading. Drawing on epidemiological data from over 9,500 students, which reveals that 95% of deaf children are born to hearing parents, the text advocates for evidence-based public policies that prioritize bilingual education as a fundamental requirement for cognitive development and equitable health outcomes. By integrating high-level lexicography with rigorous psychometric standards, Brazil offers a robust model for the social and linguistic inclusion of deaf citizens, ensuring their right to health and education is upheld through scientific innovation.

Keywords:

Brazilian sign language (Libras); Public health; Iinguistic assessment; Bilingual education; healthcare accessibility; Medical lexicography; Deaf education

Citation:

Fernando Cesar Capovilla. Paving the way to Public Health and Education of the Brazilian Deaf Population: A 25-Year Research and Development Milestone. Ann Med Res Pub Health. 2025;5(1):1-5.