AI and the Inclusion of Deaf People in Brazil: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

This study investigated the perceptions of Deaf users of Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) regarding artificial intelligence (AI), through online interviews with 12 participants of different ages, educational backgrounds, and occupations. A qualitative methodology was applied, based on Bardin's (2011) content analysis, which enabled the identification of meaning patterns in participants' responses. The results highlighted five main themes: lack of knowledge, mistaken associations, practical uses, interest in learning, and resistance/fear. Lack of knowledge proved to be transversal, affecting youth, adults, and elderly participants, reflecting structural informational exclusion. Mistaken associations showed how the absence of critical digital literacy in sign language leads to limited understandings of AI, often linked to already familiar technologies. Practical uses, mostly reported by teachers and university students, revealed AI's potential as an educational mediator and a tool for autonomy. The strong interest in learning demonstrated participants' willingness to attend courses in Libras, indicating a demand for public policies and critical training initiatives. Finally, resistance, although minor, reflected the influence of distorted media narratives on negative perceptions of AI. It is concluded that the inclusion of the Deaf community in the age of AI requires linguistic equity, access policies, and accessible digital environments, in order to transform curiosity into empowerment and break the cycle of exclusion.