Brazilian municipalities address LIBRAS interpreter needs in schools

Municipalities in Brazil are addressing the demand for LIBRAS (Brazilian Sign Language) interpreters in public schools through different administrative approaches.

In Atibaia, the municipal education network has opened a selection process for Educational LIBRAS Interpreters under the CLT regime. Managed by the Instituto Global Attitude (IGA), the positions aim to support deaf students in special education. The roles involve mediating between LIBRAS and Portuguese in classrooms, pedagogical activities, and institutional events. The positions offer 20 hours per week and require high school completion and official LIBRAS certification.

In Recife, the Public Ministry of Pernambuco (MPPE) has launched an administrative procedure to address a shortage of interpreters. The Recife Municipal Education Secretariat reported that the city lacks permanent LIBRAS interpreter positions, relying instead on temporary contracts. Following a recent selection process where only seven of 30 vacancies were filled, the network currently has only two active interpreters. The MPPE has requested that the Secretariat of Education outline emergency measures within 30 days to ensure specialized support for students with hearing impairments.