Brazilian Law of Inclusion for Persons with Disabilities (Law No. 13,146/2015)
Overview
The Brazilian Law of Inclusion for Persons with Disabilities (Lei Brasileira de Inclusão da Pessoa com Deficiência)—also known as the Statute of Persons with Disabilities—is Brazil’s comprehensive framework for promoting equality, accessibility, and social participation for persons with disabilities.
Enacted in 2015 and effective from 2016, the law guarantees equal rights and opportunities in key areas such as education, employment, healthcare, transportation, and accessibility across both public and private sectors.
Its core goal is to remove physical, social, and digital barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from fully participating in society. By advancing accessibility and inclusion, the law reflects Brazil’s commitment to building a nation where every individual can live with dignity, autonomy, and independence.
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Key Provisions
1. Accessibility
Accessibility is one of the core principles of the law, ensuring that persons with disabilities can move freely and access information, goods, and services without barriers.
- Public and private buildings, streets, and public spaces must include features such as ramps, elevators, tactile flooring, and accessible restrooms.
- Transportation systems, including buses, subways, and taxis, must be equipped to accommodate passengers with mobility, visual, or hearing impairments.
- Digital accessibility is also required — websites, apps, and electronic content must be compatible with assistive technologies such as screen readers, captions, and alternative text.
- All new public construction and digital services must follow universal design principles, making them usable by everyone, regardless of ability.
2. Education
The law guarantees inclusive education at all levels — from early childhood to higher education.
- Schools and universities must welcome students with disabilities into mainstream education and provide appropriate support services, specialized materials, and trained staff.
- Assistive technologies and individualized learning plans should be used to meet students’ needs.
- Any form of discrimination or exclusion in education is prohibited.
This approach ensures that every learner has the opportunity to reach their full potential in an inclusive environment.
3. Employment
Employment inclusion is a central focus of the law, promoting equal opportunities and fair treatment in the workplace.
- Companies with 100 or more employees are required to reserve a percentage of positions (ranging from 2% to 5%) for persons with disabilities, depending on company size.
- Employers must adapt workplaces to accommodate the needs of employees with disabilities, such as providing assistive equipment, accessible workstations, or flexible schedules.
- Recruitment and career advancement must be based on merit, not disability status.
These measures empower persons with disabilities to achieve economic independence and professional growth.
4. Healthcare
The law ensures that persons with disabilities have the right to quality healthcare without discrimination.
- Public and private healthcare providers must offer accessible facilities and services, including rehabilitation programs and specialized care.
- Access to assistive technologies—such as hearing aids, wheelchairs, and communication devices—is guaranteed through public health programs.
- Medical professionals are required to respect autonomy and informed consent, providing accessible information to patients.
Healthcare services aim to support well-being, independence, and full participation in society.
5. Legal Rights & Protection
The Brazilian Law of Inclusion reinforces the full legal capacity and autonomy of persons with disabilities.
- Discrimination based on disability is a crime, punishable by fines or imprisonment.
- Persons with disabilities have the right to make their own decisions in legal, financial, and personal matters, with support when necessary rather than substitution.
- The justice system must ensure accessibility in legal procedures, such as interpreters, accessible communication, and accommodations during hearings.
This legal framework upholds the principles of equality, freedom, and respect for human dignity.
Important Dates
Year / Date | Milestone / Update | Notes / Focus |
|---|---|---|
July 6, 2015 | Law No. 13.146 (Inclusion Law) signed by President | Also called the Statute of Persons with Disabilities. |
January 2, 2016 | Most provisions of the law come into effect | This is the date when the law officially entered into force. |
Subsequent Years | Gradual implementation and enforcement | Entities (public & private) began adapting to new requirements, particularly in accessibility and inclusion |
The Brazilian Inclusion Law was enacted on July 6, 2015, and the majority of its provisions became effective on January 2, 2016. Since then, Brazil has been in the process of enforcing and implementing its mandates across public, private, and digital sectors to promote greater inclusion and accessibility.
This explanation is based on the official document (Law No. 13,146/2015). For full details, refer to the original text here: https://www.planalto.gov.br/CCIVIL_03/_Ato2015-2018/2015/Lei/L13146.htm