Educação especial em Montes Claros: implantação e consolidação da Apae (1970-2015)

Abstract

This research is situated within the scope of the History of Education, specifically focusing on the history of educational institutions, with an emphasis on the History of Special Education. Its general objective is to reconstruct the historical milestones of the establishment and consolidation of the Association of Parents and Friends of the Exceptional (Apae) in the municipality of Montes Claros-MG. By revisiting the past, we aim to identify the individuals who participated in the founding and consolidation of Apae in Montes Claros, as well as the social, political, and economic challenges faced during this process. The research problem of this study is: How did the establishment and consolidation of Apae occur in the municipality of Montes Claros? Other related questions include: What were the initiatives and justifications for its establishment? How was the service provided to people with disabilities during the studied period, especially regarding educational demands? Was there schooling since its inception? What are its relevant projects and contributions in the educational field? What challenges were encountered for the initial and continuing training of teachers to meet the institution's proposed objectives? The time frame established begins in the year of the institution's foundation in 1970 and extends to the enactment of Law 13.146, known as the Statute of the Person with Disabilities, on July 6, 2015, which guarantees the inclusion of people with disabilities in the regular education system. The study is historiographical and is based on authors such as Burke (2006), Schaff (1983), Pinsky (2006), and Thompson (1992), who discuss historical research, its nature, methodology, and social importance. Regarding the history of educational institutions, authors such as Nosella and Buffa (2008), Gatti Júnior and Gatti (2015) were referenced. Regarding Special Education, it was based on authors such as Mantoan (2003), Borges A (2015), Januzzi (2005), and Mazzotta (2011). Various types of historical sources were used, collected from public and private archives: school records, laws, and decrees related to Special Education in Brazil, minutes, newspapers, magazines, photographs, literature review, and "living sources," using Oral History resources, as we believe this methodology allows capturing information that would not be possible through other sources, bringing visibility to the individuals who contributed to the consolidation of the institution in Montes Claros. The study contextualizes the emergence of Apae in Brazil and Minas Gerais, exploring specific aspects in the city of Montes Claros over its first 45 years of existence. By examining the process of creation and consolidation of the institution and its social role, especially in the educational field for people with disabilities, the research contributes to the reflection on the transformations of Special Education and to the understanding of the relevance and limitations of its institutions before the inclusion of its target audience in the regular education system.