Thoughts on the massage therapy course at the Benjamin Constant Institute and teaching material adapted in thermoform

Abstract

This study investigates the importance of developing accessible and specialized Foot Reflexology teaching material in high relief and reproduced in Thermoform for people with low vision and blindness in promoting inclusive and effective learning, in order to build the professional and social identity of these individuals. To this end, bibliographical research was initially conducted, followed by interviews with students on the course– a total of three people were interviewed. The interview with the first participant aimed to identify the importance of adapted two-dimensional reflexology material for students with visual impairments and to observe the relevance of this material in the learning and social development of citizens. The second participant expressed their satisfaction with having accessible material, which promoted identification of the design, safety (as the product was not heavy and offered no risk), ease of understanding the figure, achievement of new perspectives according to studies (including outside the course), and motivation to study and pursue a career in the job market. For its part, the third interview enabled reflections on the importance of colors and textures and reported how these details facilitated the understanding of that design. Finally, field data was analyzed, and inferences were made. Among other issues, the data suggests that the importance of teaching material adapted for the visually impaired has an impact not only on learning, but also on student’s motivation.