Accessibility and inclusion are present throughout the 28th Pan-Amazonian Book and Multivoices Fair
Uepa's project offers guided tours for the deaf and blind and a sensory room for people on the autism spectrum
Visiting the 28th Pan-Amazonian Book and Multivoices Fair in Belém also ensures finding an inclusive space, with sign language interpreters, audio description, sighted guides, support for people with reduced mobility, and even a sensory room: everything available to the public, thanks to the Lamparina Acesa project.
Coordinated by the Research Center for Amazonian Cultures and Memories (CUMA) of the State University of Pará (Uepa), the project mobilizes about 50 professionals and volunteers throughout all days of the program, from 9 am to 10 pm. This year, in addition to the already established services, the new feature is the sensory room, designed especially for the reception of neurodivergent individuals.
“Our services are free, ensuring accessibility for blind and deaf individuals during the event visit. And now, this year, with the new sensory room, designed for sensory regulation, especially for the autistic audience of all ages,” says Joana Martins, project coordinator.
“Lamparina is always contributing to architectural, communicational, and attitudinal accessibility, reinforcing the importance of the presence, construction, and emancipation of blind individuals in common spaces. They deserve congratulations for this work, not only for the technique of guiding through the fair's booths but also for the audio description, which is essential for the inclusion of people with disabilities in this space,” highlights Aguinaldo Barros, a visually impaired individual who is also working at the book fair with the support of the group.
“Just being here has been a really cool and important experience, especially considering a day focused on diversity and inclusion, with discussions about accessibility,” said autistic student Alexandre Monteiro, who visited the fair on Monday (18), on the day dedicated to the Voices of Diversity and Inclusion.
“Talking about accessibility is extremely relevant because it brings representation, which is essential for society to understand how important it is not only at the book fair but in all spaces,” concluded Alexandre.
Accessibility services available at the Fair:
- Sign language interpreters at the Multivoices Arena activities.
- Audio description, with specialized professionals and consultants.
- Guided tours with sighted guides for blind individuals.
- Support for people with reduced mobility, including wheelchairs available at the event.
- Guide-interpreters for the deafblind audience.
- Adapted Sensory Room, with soft lighting, acoustic insulation, and tactile resources for the neurodivergent audience.
- Accessible literature, with a booth from the Lamparina Acesa Project presenting inclusive proposals and technologies.
The 28th Pan-Amazonian Book and Multivoices Fair is promoted by the Government of Pará, through the State Secretariat of Culture (Secult), and runs until Friday (22), at the Hangar Convention Center of the Amazon in Belém. The hours are from 9 am to 10 pm, with entry until 9 pm.
Text: Juliana Amaral (Ascom/Secult)
