The Master’s Program in Educational Sciences at the Faculty of Social Sciences of the Portuguese Catholic University in Braga will host an open lecture on July 29 at 5:00 p.m. on the topic “Deafness, disability, or linguistic and cultural minority? The education of deaf children and youth in a bilingual context.”

The session will be led by Professor Luísa Campos, Ph.D., and moderated by Professor Filomena Ponte, Ph.D.

This session invites reflection on the different paradigms that have guided the education of deaf children and youth, with the aim of exploring the evolution of perspectives on deafness—whether viewed as a disability or as an expression of a distinct linguistic and cultural identity. The session will address the bilingual education model, its guiding principles, and the challenges it poses for educational practices, in order to highlight the importance of Portuguese Sign Language, inclusion, and the promotion of learning environments that respect the linguistic and cultural diversity of deaf students.

This initiative is intended for students, teachers, researchers, education professionals, and anyone interested in the fields of special education, inclusive education, and bilingual education.

Professor Luísa Campos, Ph.D., holds a master’s degree in Special Education and is a professor of Special Education (GR920), working at the Reference School for Bilingual Education within the D. Maria II School District. Her professional work has focused on the education of deaf children and youth, with a particular emphasis on bilingual education, the promotion of inclusion, and the recognition of Portuguese Sign Language as a fundamental element for the development, learning, and participation of these students.