Brazilian Chamber Approves Law Requiring School Managers to Know Sign Language

The Education Committee of Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies approved a bill that makes basic knowledge of Língua Brasileira de Sinais (Libras) mandatory for school managers in basic education. The substitute text, presented by rapporteur Deputy Franciane Bayer (Republicanos‑RS), requires administrators, planners, inspectors, supervisors and educational advisers to demonstrate proficiency in Libras before being appointed or hired. The measure alters the National Education Guidelines and Framework Law (LDB) to improve communication with deaf students, parents and staff. The proposal will now be examined by the Committees on the Rights of People with Disabilities and on Constitution and Justice before proceeding to a plenary vote in the Chamber and, subsequently, the Senate for final approval.

The bill aims to enhance inclusion for deaf learners by ensuring that school leadership can interact directly in sign language, rather than relying solely on hiring deaf professionals, and reflects a broader push to make Libras a more widely understood second language in Brazil.