Brazilian Sign Language and phonoaudiologist training: a preliminary portrait for understanding bilingual phonoaudiologic practice

ABSTRACT Purpose To understand undergraduate training in bilingual speech and language therapy in Brazil and discuss its application to deaf individuals. Methods An exploratory, cross-sectional study with descriptive and interpretative analysis conducted between August 2022 and February 2023 in partnership with the Sociedade Brasileira de Fonoaudiologia. Data were collected through an electronic form sent to the 115 active speech and language programs in Brazil. Results Twenty-three programs participated, mainly from the Southeast Region and mostly public institutions. All programs offer courses on Brazilian Sign Language, mostly in-person, taught by hearing professors, ranging from 60 to 90 hours. Qualitative analysis revealed heterogeneous practices and perspectives on how curricula address deaf individuals’ needs, often lacking a clear stance on understanding deafness and deaf people regarding cultural and linguistic diversity. Other practices are divided into oral/auditory approaches to auditory rehabilitation and the use of technological resources and bilingual approaches that, besides Brazilian Sign Language, emphasize language development stages (oral, written, and signed). Conclusion Brazilian Sign Language content is present in curricula as required by law. However, there is still a tendency to overlook the needs of signing deaf individuals, favor oral/auditory practices, and limit bilingual speech and language therapy training to Brazilian Sign Language knowledge and non-mandatory projects and activities.