BR
Brazil Law for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (LBI)
Overview
Brazil’s Law No. 13,146, also called the Brazilian Law for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (LBI), was enacted in July 2015 to promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities. The law covers a broad range of accessibility requirements, including physical spaces, transportation, technology, communication, and digital environments.
Regulation Summary
- July 6, 2015 – Law No. 13,146 enacted
- January 2, 2016 – Law entered into force
- Federal, state, and municipal public authorities
- Private entities offering goods, services, or information to the public
- Educational institutions
- Media outlets and digital communication platforms
- Financial institutions, transportation companies, and cultural organizations
- The law does not grant broad exemptions but allows for differentiated treatment through regulatory provisions
- Exceptions are evaluated based on the nature and scope of the service offered
- Provide equal access to information and services for persons with disabilities
- Guarantee the usability of digital platforms, websites, and electronic services
- Incorporate accessibility principles in procurement, contracts, and partnerships
- Follow accessibility standards for audiovisual, educational, and customer service materials
- Websites and digital platforms must be accessible to persons with disabilities
- Interfaces should support assistive technologies such as screen readers and keyboard navigation
- Online content must be perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust
- Although the LBI does not explicitly name WCAG, enforcement guidelines reference standards aligned with WCAG 2.0 Level AA
- Audiovisual content must provide subtitles, audio descriptions, and Brazilian Sign Language (Libras)
- Digital educational content must be compatible with assistive technologies
- Public and private service providers must include accessible communication channels (e.g., websites, apps, forms)
- Equal participation in the digital, cultural, educational, and labor spheres
- Right to request accessible formats or reasonable accommodation
- Protection from discrimination due to lack of accessible services or platforms
- Regulatory Body: Public Prosecutor’s Office and Consumer Protection Authorities
- Oversight: Compliance monitored by the National Secretariat for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
- Penalties:
- Fines ranging from R$ 500 to R$ 10,000 per violation (~USD $100–$2,000)
- Suspension of activities in case of repeated noncompliance
- Public disclosure of violations