INSS will begin providing services in Libras to policyholders at two agencies in Rio de JaneiroMarcello Casal Jr/Agência Brasil
Published 04/18/2024 18:22
The National Social Security Institute (INSS) will have more inclusive service in Rio de Janeiro. The agency will provide services to deaf people in the state using Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) through the Libras Service Center (CAL). It will be adopted in two locations: at the Social Security Agency (APS) Niterói Bairro de Fátima, in the Metropolitan Region, and at the Integrated Center for Attention to People with Disabilities (Ciad), in the center of Rio. Services in Libras will be available from of the 29th.
The initiative is part of a pilot project by the Benefits Department (Dirben) to extend the CAL. Between April 22nd and 26th, a team from the center will be in Rio involved in the process of training INSS employees, raising awareness among managers and will visit entities (educational institutions and associations) linked to the deaf community. On the 24th, National Deaf Education Day, a lecture will take place at the National Institute of Deaf Education (Ines). On this day, there will be social security services on site for participants.
“The Libras Service Center is a project created by several INSS employees with the aim of promoting the social security inclusion of deaf people in the INSS. Created more than ten years ago, it currently uses information and communication technologies to provide humanized, accessible and effective care for deaf people. It becomes a reality in Rio de Janeiro. The support of managers, at a strategic level from INSS, turned this dream into reality”, stated José Wilker, coordinator of CAL, who will be in Rio participating in the launch of the pilot project.
According to Wilker, the two locations that will provide services in Libras will always provide services on Tuesdays. Four places will be available per week in each of the agencies with the pilot project. Users will be able to schedule services in Libras through Central 135 or in person at the two INSS agencies in Rio.
“Pilot projects to serve deaf policyholders using Libras are essential to guarantee the inclusion and accessibility of all citizens to the social security system. By offering support in sign language, such initiatives promote equal access to services and strengthen community ties and respect for diversity”, says the regional superintendent of INSS/RJ, Marcos Fernandes.
Wilker explains that, on the scheduled date, the insured will be assisted by a server trained in Libras in a room with a computer and camera, via video call, via the teams app. Currently, ten servers from various regions of the country are able to provide assistance. The person must take the documents to the chosen INSS agency to be served. The service is restricted to scheduled deaf people who will speak in Libras with the INSS server. Matters relating to other citizens will not be addressed.
“The INSS server will provide remote assistance. It will provide all guidance to citizens who will have access to all types of services that the INSS offers, such as retirement and pensions, among others”, explains the coordinator.
In addition to Rio de Janeiro, INSS already offers services in Libras for deaf people in the cities of São Paulo (SP) and Sorocaba, in the interior of São Paulo. Since December last year, two other INSS agencies in Alagoas have also provided services in Libras.
“The movement is very important for INSS to guarantee social inclusion and humanization in care for deaf people”, highlighted Antônio Negrão, executive manager of INSS-Rio de Janeiro.
