PAULO FREIRE AND HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO INCLUSIVE EDUCATION

Abstract

This research aimed to analyze Paulo Freire's contributions to the construction of inclusive education, exploring how his theories and pedagogical practices can be applied to promote the inclusion of students with different needs in the educational system. The methodology adopted was bibliographic, based on the analysis of Paulo Freire's works and other studies that discuss his influence on inclusive education. The results showed that Freire's pedagogy, with its emphasis on dialogue, awareness, and respect for diversity, offers a solid basis for the implementation of inclusive practices, highlighting the importance of an adaptable and welcoming learning environment. It was found that inclusive education, from Freire's perspective, goes beyond the simple presence of students in regular schools, involving the adaptation of teaching methods and the appreciation of students' experiences, ensuring equal access to knowledge. It is concluded that Paulo Freire's contributions are essential for the construction of a more just and equitable educational system, in which differences are respected and used as sources of enrichment for the educational process.