Deonísio Schmitt is a Brazilian Deaf academic and researcher specializing in Brazilian Sign Language (Libras), Deaf culture, and sociolinguistics. He is recognized as the first Deaf individual in Brazil to earn a doctorate in Linguistics. Schmitt currently serves as a professor at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), where he has been a faculty member since 2005.
Early Life and Education
Deonísio Schmitt was born in Florianópolis, Brazil. He pursued his undergraduate studies in Pedagogy at the Lutheran University of Brazil (ULBRA), completing his degree in 2004. He then specialized in Deaf Education at the Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC). Schmitt furthered his studies at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), obtaining a Master’s degree in Education in 2011. His master's thesis focused on the role of Deaf teachers in the development of digital literature in Libras[2].
In 2013, Schmitt achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Deaf individual in Brazil to earn a doctorate in Linguistics[3]. His doctoral dissertation examined the historical and sociolinguistic contexts of sign language use among Deaf individuals in the state of Santa Catarina. The research utilized filmed narratives from three generations of Deaf individuals to analyze linguistic variations and changes in Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) over time[2].
Academic Career
Since 2005, Schmitt has been a faculty member at UFSC, initially serving as a substitute professor before securing a permanent position[1][2]. He is currently a professor in the Department of Distance Education, specializing in Libras and Deaf culture[1]. Schmitt has coordinated several research initiatives, including studies on the participation of Deaf students in graduate programs and the development of pedagogical materials for teaching Libras[2]. He has also contributed to the creation of a pedagogical guide for teaching Brazilian Sign Language in distance education, advancing bilingual education for Deaf individuals[2].
Research Interests and Contributions
Schmitt's research interests encompass the historical and sociolinguistic aspects of sign language, the development of educational materials accessible to the Deaf community, and the promotion of Deaf culture[2]. His work emphasizes the importance of recognizing and incorporating Deaf perspectives into educational curricula and materials. He has contributed to the development of digital literature in Libras, collaborating with Deaf educators to ensure these resources are culturally relevant and pedagogically effective[2].
Impact and Recognition
Through his academic and research endeavors, Deonísio Schmitt has made significant contributions to Deaf education in Brazil[3]. His work has helped highlight the importance of incorporating Deaf culture and perspectives into educational practices, advocating for a more inclusive approach to education. Schmitt's achievement as the first Deaf individual in Brazil to earn a doctorate in Linguistics has been widely recognized and celebrated[3][4]. His efforts continue to influence the advancement of Deaf education and the recognition of Deaf culture in academic and educational settings[3][4].
- Escavador. (n.d.). Deonísio Schmitt – Academic Profile.
- SCHMITT, D. (2013). A história da língua de sinais em Santa Catarina: Contextos sóciohistóricos e sociolinguísticos de surdos de 1946 a 2010. (Doctoral dissertation). Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina–UFSC, Florianópolis.
- Mathias, L. (2013, March 26). Professor da Udesc é o primeiro surdo do país com título de doutor em Linguística. In ND Mais.
- Google Scholar. (n.d.). Deonísio Schmitt – Scholar Profile.
