Fátima Maria da Cruz Gonçalves

Fátima is an educator specialized in inclusive practices in the classroom. She holds a bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, two specializations in Special Education, and a master's degree in Accessible Communication. She is currently a PhD candidate in Education with a project entitled "Tactile perception and school inclusion: assessment and development of skills in students with visual impairment." Fátima is also a member of ReLeCo Learning & Innovation.

• Inclusion of students with special educational needs
• Role of tactile perception in cognitive development
• Pedagogical differentiation
• Use of assistive technologies

Abstract

The main objective of this doctoral project is the development and application of a battery of tactile tests aimed at assessing the tactile abilities of students with visual impairments, with a view to the effective personalization of pedagogical materials used in school settings.

Recognizing tactile perception as a fundamental pathway to knowledge for students with visual impairments, this project proposes a student-centered approach that identifies individual tactile skills - such as texture discrimination, shape recognition, relief interpretation, and spatial organization - and uses this information to adapt educational resources to their specific needs.

The research will be guided by the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Design for All, and will incorporate inclusive technologies such as 3D printing, laser cutting, and UV printing in the creation of adapted educational materials. The study will include a practical component involving the implementation of the tactile test battery in educational contexts, along with an analysis of the impact of personalized materials on students; cognitive development and active participation.

This project aims to contribute to a more inclusive, evidence-based education system, where school materials are not only accessible but truly tailored to the sensory abilities of each student.