The aim of this study was to research the number of self-declared students with disabilities in the process of inclusion in public and private higher education institutions of Juiz de Fora. This theme merits investigation because of the policies implemented by the Federal Government Access to Higher Education that aim to increase the level of schooling for the population, i.e. ProUni, REUNI and FIES. Eleven higher education institutions of Juiz de Fora were surveyed, of which ten were private and one public. The interviewees were the supervisors of courses in which self-declared students with disabilities were enrolled, and attended regularly, at the time when data was collected. Subsequently, the interviews were analyzed by content analysis. The data showed that there are currently 45 students with disabilities enrolled who regularly attend classes in higher education courses in the city. The private institutions represent 82.2% of this total and the federal public university includes 17.8%. It is deemed greatly relevant to implement further studies that aim to increase information about the inclusion of people with disabilities in the Brazilian school system. This will enable better understanding of these students' process of facing difficulties, advocacy struggles and overcoming barriers until they achieve entrance into the university. This issue has been important in assisting professionals involved in advocacy for the rights of people with disabilities, especially regarding access to educational systems.
Special Education; People with Disabilities; Higher Education
