Organization
National Federation of Education and Integration of the Deaf(FENEIS)
FENEIS is Brazil's national Deaf federation, reconstituted under Deaf leadership in 1987. It was the driving force behind the 2002 legal recognition of Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) and operates regional offices across eight states, providing advocacy, interpreter training, and community services to Brazil's Deaf community.
About
FENEIS (Federação Nacional de Educação e Integração dos Surdos) emerged in 1987 when Brazil's Deaf community voted to dissolve its predecessor FENEIDA and reconstitute the federation under Deaf leadership. Its headquarters are in Rio de Janeiro and it maintains offices in Brasília, São Paulo, Belo Horizonte, Fortaleza, Curitiba, Manaus, Caxias do Sul, and Porto Alegre.
What They Do
FENEIS was the primary civil society force behind the enactment of Law 10.436/2002, which granted official recognition to Libras (Língua Brasileira de Sinais) as Brazil's second national language — a landmark in Deaf rights globally. The federation provides training for sign language instructors and interpreters, produces accessible audiovisual content, advocates for inclusive bilingual education, and promotes employment and cultural rights for Deaf Brazilians.
Who They Serve
FENEIS serves the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community across Brazil, from children accessing bilingual education to adults seeking employment and legal recognition. It is a member of the World Federation of the Deaf and represents Brazilian Deaf interests in international forums.
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