Methodology and formats for producing sound media as an accessibility resource in the school environment

• Grant number: 25/00593-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2025
• End date: February 28, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Psychology
• Principal Investigator: Lúcia Pereira Leite
• Grantee: Laura Missioneiro Pilotto
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências (FC). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Bauru. Bauru , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 24/01132-2 - Multidisciplinary Center for the Development of Assistive Technology (MCDAT), AP.CCD

Abstract

Accessibility must be considered in the development of products, methodologies, practices and services designed to promote autonomy, quality of life, independence and social inclusion in the different spheres of everyday life, especially in the educational environment. For this reason, the project aims to develop a methodological proposal for training elementary school, secondary school and youth and adult teachers to produce and use accessible sound media in the classroom, in order to cater for students, especially the visually impaired, with learning difficulties and/or low initial literacy and reading levels. Sound media is an important accessibility resource, given its wealth of formats and ability to raise awareness, as well as characteristics such as low cost, portability, easy assimilation and autonomy, which makes it more practical, in certain contexts and objectives, than printed and digital publications, Braille, screen readers and other software. Talking books, audiobooks and audio adaptations of books, texts, news publications, activity books, games and other materials are examples of accessible audio media that can be used in the classroom. These adaptations can be made by the teachers themselves, according to the needs of the teaching-learning process, based on their mastery of sound production, which includes complying with the principles of audio-phonic language and carrying out the scripting, voice-over, sound design and audio editing processes. Sound formats promote access to knowledge through a sense other than sight, in this case hearing. The proposal includes the development of instructional material on possible types of adaptations, principles for writing scripts, voice-over guidelines, parameters for sound design and audio editing, as well as the equipment needed for production. The material should be made available in digital format on the web and could include written text, videos and audio.