Bio
Israel Bispo dos Santos is a researcher and educator specializing in communication disorders, inclusive education, and the intersection of artificial intelligence with disability rights. Affiliated with the Federal Institute of Paraná (IFPR), his work focuses on Brazilian Sign Language (Libras), deaf education, and identifying invisible barriers in academic systems using intelligent technologies.
Educational Journey
Universidade Tuiuti do Paraná
Ph.D. • Communication Disorders
2025Universidade Tuiuti do Paraná - Campus Bacacheri
Mestrado • Distúrbios da Comunicação
2017Faculdade Maringá
Especialista • Pós Graduação em Educação Especial Surdez
2016Experience
Governo do Estado do Paraná
Pedagogo
2015 - Present • SEED CURITIBAInstituto Federal do Paraná
Intérprete de Libras
2014 - Present • NAPNEResearch
Older Adults with Hearing Loss: New Meanings
Hearing loss in old age is often addressed from a biomedical perspective, emphasizing sensory deficit and rehabilitation through assistive technologies. However, this article proposes a broader approach, centered on the new meanings constructed by older adults in the face of communicative transformations imposed by hearing loss. Based on recent studies and accumulated research in the […]
Visual Bridges: A Comparative Study Between Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) and Quebec Sign Language (LSQ)
This article presents a comparative analysis between Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) and Quebec Sign Language (LSQ), highlighting their historical, sociocultural, and political contexts. The study is grounded in a mixed approach that combines bibliographic research with field experience developed through an academic partnership between the Federal Institute of Paraná (IFPR), Curitiba campus, and the Université […]
Health-Related Quality of Life and Social Participation of Older People with Hearing Loss and their Relatives
Introduction: Hearing loss is commonly associated with aging, occurring in around 60% of people over the age of 60. The impact of hearing loss can have consequences for the person themselves, but can also have collateral effects. Family members, especially spouses, often take on additional responsibilities, and family roles can be altered. Age-related hearing loss impacts daily life, quality of life and the role of caregivers. Objective: To assess the impact of hearing aids on the quality of life and social participation of hearing-impaired elderly people and their families. Methods: Systematic literature review using the CINHAL, Embase, Medline and Pubmed databases, with no age restriction.
Self-Perception of Social Participation Restrictions in Adults and Older Adults with Hearing Loss: A Systematic Review
Introduction: Hearing loss affects a large number of people worldwide, with a tendency to increase in the coming years. It is estimated that one in four people will be living with some degree of hearing loss by 2050. Many adults and elderly people report negative psychosocial and emotional consequences attributable to hearing loss, among them depression, feelings of loneliness, social isolation, and decreased quality of life. The use of hearing aids is indicated in these cases, not only to optimize communication but also to improve the quality of life and social participation of its users. Understanding self-perception of social participation restrictions and how the use of hearing aids can affect the lives of adults and the elderly is essential to minimize the consequences of these losses. Objective: To analyze the self-perception of the effects of using hearing aids in adults and elderly with hearing loss on their social participation.
AI and the Inclusion of Deaf People in Brazil: A Qualitative Study
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.
The Influence of Sports on Executive Functions in Para-Athletes: A Pilot Study
Sports practice can enhance both the physical and psychological abilities of individuals, including executive functions, which may influence other daily activities. This study aims to explore the correlation between sports and executive functions, considering the heterogeneity of results found in existing literature. The present pilot study focused on professional parasports athletes and used the Five-Digit Test (FDT) to measure and compare cognitive performance. This is a cross-sectional study conducted with ten (10) participants, five (5) of whom were elite athletes and five (5) from a sedentary population with disabilities. The results revealed a significant difference in performance between the two groups, particularly in the controlled processes of choice and taskswitching. This statistical variation may suggest a potential enhancement in higher-order cognitive functions among the athlete group.
The Influence of the Family Core on the Language Acquisition of Deaf Children: A Study on Communication and Bonding
This qualitative study, grounded in a sociocultural perspective, investigates the communication challenges faced by families of deaf children. A snowball sampling method was employed, through which nine mothers of ten deaf children were interviewed. The primary objective was to understand the families’ emotions regarding deafness, how they received the diagnosis, and the strategies adopted for interacting and communicating with their children. A recurring expectation of speech development among family members was observed, as well as conflicts between guidance provided by the health and education sectors and the family’s own dynamics. Reports highlighted a lack of support following diagnosis and continuous efforts to overcome the barriers imposed by reality. Considering family communication as an essential element in the development of deaf children, the study offers reflections on practices and discourses that continue to deny their identity and limit their potential.
Cognitive Aspects of Adults and Older Adults with Hearing Loss, Users or not of Hearing Aids: A Meta-Analysis
Purpose: Evaluate cognitive aspects in adults and older adults with hearing loss who use hearing aids, compared to those with hearing loss who do not use hearing aids. Research Strategies: A systematic search across seven databases and gray literature until May 10, 2022, sought studies of individuals aged >18 with hearing loss. Selection Criteria: Both interventional and observational analytical studies were included, without language or publication date restrictions. Data Analysis: Seven articles were included, revealing a correlation between cognitive aspects, hearing loss, and hearing aid use in adults and older adults. Comparisons were made between hearing aid users and non-users using validated cognitive questionnaires. Risk of bias assessment was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Assessment Checklist, followed by random effects metaanalysis. The GRADE tool determined certainty of evidence. Results: Hearing aid users exhibited improved Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) performance (MD = -1.47; CI95% = -2.53 - -0.40; I2 = 7.21%), albeit with low certainty. Conclusion: While MMSE results indicated possible cognitive benefits for adults and older adults using hearing aids, the evidence remains uncertain. Developing a comprehensive psychological assessment tool encompassing language, memory, attention, executive functions, and socialization is recommended to ensure accurate evaluations of this population’s health.
Reinventing the Brazilian Sign Language Interpreter
This article presents a critical reflection on the evolving role of the Brazilian Sign Language Translator and Interpreter (TIL) within the national education system. Adopting a historical lens, it traces the trajectory from the early days of predominantly voluntary and community-based interpreting— particularly in religious contexts—to the current phase marked by professionalization through academic training and legal recognition. The discussion explores the implications of this transition for the interpreter’s relationship with the Deaf community, the quality of linguistic mediation, and the multifaceted demands of both technical and emotional preparedness in educational settings. The article contends that the interpreter’s role must transcend mere technical neutrality, assuming an ethical, cultural, and transformative stance in promoting linguistic accessibility and inclusive education for Deaf students.
Factors Related to the Quality of Life in the Context of Deaf Sign Language Users in Brazil
Introduction: Deaf sign language users population often has been facing linguistic difficulties regarding to interacting with people who are not aware, who have not learnt about using sign language, such difficulties may have been revealing serious consequences to their social, emotional and also cognitive development. Objective: This study has aimed to analyze the factors which may be associated with the best scoring of Quality of Life (QOL) in a group of deaf Brazilian sign language (Libras) users. Methods: It is a quantitative study, whose data collection has been assessing using the WHOQOL-BREF scale and a sample profile questionnaire as well. Sixty (60) deaf Libras users, who has been living in Southern region of Brazil have participated. Statistical analysis was used by means of descriptive statistical methods and inference methods, considering the significance level of 0.05 (5%).
