Deaf Student from Ivaiporã Approved in 1st Place in Physical Education at UEM College through Aprova Paraná. Youngster Will Be the First in the Family to Attend Higher Education.
The public education system of Paraná recorded a significant result in this edition of Aprova Paraná Universidades: a deaf student from the state school system was approved in 1st place in the Physical Education course at a public college.
Carlos Daniel Caetano Cardoso, 18 years old, a resident of Ivaiporã in the Vale do Ivaí, earned a spot at State University of Maringá (UEM) and will become the first in his family to enter higher education.
This classification was made possible thanks to his academic performance throughout high school, a criterion adopted by the state program.
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More than an individual result, this achievement symbolizes inclusion, pedagogical support, and the valuing of talent.
Aprova Paraná Ensures Access to College for Approved Deaf Student
Admission occurred through Aprova Paraná Universidades, an initiative of the Government of Paraná that expands opportunities for students from public schools.
The program uses the score from the Prova Paraná Mais and reserves 20% of spots in state universities for these students.
This edition offered 3,757 spots distributed across 440 higher education courses.
Participating institutions include State University of Londrina (UEL), UEM, UEPG, UENP, Unespar, Unioeste, and Unicentro.
Thus, the approved deaf student secured his spot based on academic merit built over the years.
The state education secretary, Roni Miranda, highlighted the importance of the initiative: “When the state guarantees support, inclusion, and proper preparation, talent finds a way. Aprova Paraná Universidades exists to expand opportunities and take our students further.”
Deaf Student Approved in College Stands Out for High Abilities
Since elementary school, Carlos had already shown above-average performance. In the 9th grade, he was identified with Giftedness/Talented, excelling in Mathematics, Biology, and Portuguese.
From this identification, he began attending Specialized Educational Assistance (AEE), which reinforced his learning.
“It helped a lot. I stopped having difficulties in some subjects, and on the tests, the content covered was what the teachers had worked on,” he states.
In addition to standing out academically, he also helped classmates who faced difficulties, especially in Mathematics. According to the student himself, the teachers noticed his ease of learning and encouraged him to share knowledge.

Challenges Marked the Journey of the Deaf Student Approved in College
Despite the performance, the path was not simple. Carlos communicates in Libras and had to face barriers related to accessibility in his early school years.
“It was very difficult at the start because I didn’t have an interpreter before the 6th grade,” he recalls. The change occurred when he entered the Colégio Estadual Barão do Cerro Azul, where he received adequate support.
Inclusion also involved his classmates. “Some classmates didn’t know Libras, but my interpreter gave basic communication classes to the class and other people at the school. That helped a lot,” he shares.
With a more accessible environment, the approved deaf student was able to fully develop his potential.
Choosing a College Focused on Health and Care
Although he considered Psychology and Social Work as options, Carlos chose Physical Education.
The decision is linked to his interest in the health field and the desire to help others.
“I have always liked the health area. It’s important to keep the body and mind healthy. I want to be a personal trainer in the future to help others,” he explains.
Thus, being approved in college represents the beginning of a professional journey aimed at well-being and promoting quality of life.
Family Celebrates Deaf Student’s College Approval
The moment of discovery was remarkable. “I stood frozen staring at the screen for about 30 seconds. Then, I was very happy and told my family and friends. I thought: ‘wow, this is a big achievement’,” he relates.
His mother, Nilceia Caetano Prado, expressed pride in her son’s journey. “Carlos is a blessing that God sent us and despite the difficulties he has faced and will still face with deafness, he is an excellent student.”
She also highlighted the difference in opportunities between generations. “I am very happy, and the family is happy that he succeeded, especially knowing that I didn’t have this opportunity to study so much. We, who are more ‘old school’, always prioritized work in the fields,” she shares.
Deaf Student Approved in College Reinforces the Importance of Inclusion
Carlos’s journey underscores how public policies, accessibility, and pedagogical support can transform destinies.
Access to an interpreter, specialized assistance, and programs like Aprova Paraná were decisive.

More than a spot at the university, this achievement symbolizes opportunity. Now, with guaranteed enrollment at UEM, the approved deaf student begins a new phase, carrying with him the strength of public education and the example that talent, when supported, finds its way.
With information from Government of Paraná.

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