A REMARKABLE MILESTONE FOR ACCESSIBILITY IN BRAZIL’S LEGAL SYSTEM

At 24 years old, Maria Vitória Gomes da Silva achieved an extraordinary milestone by passing Brazil’s rigorous bar examination (OAB) on her very first attempt. Born with congenital glaucoma, Maria grew up in Goianésia, in the state of Goiás, learning to read using Braille. Throughout her education, she attended mainstream schools and adapted to modern technology, relying on screen-reader software to translate written text into audio on her computer and mobile phone.

Her path to becoming a lawyer was built on both strong academic performance and practical experience. During her university years, Maria completed valuable internships at a local police station and the Goiás Public Prosecutor’s Office, gaining hands-on insight into the daily demands of the legal profession. Upon graduation, her dedication paid off when she successfully passed the OAB exam and officialized her registration as an attorney.

During the swearing-in ceremony, a meaningful coincidence occurred. Maria sat beside Laura Soares Ferreira, a 23-year-old visually impaired lawyer who had also passed the bar on her first try. Though the two women had never met before, both had independently chosen criminal law for the grueling second stage of the examination. Their shared moment highlighted how separate, determined efforts brought them to the exact same professional starting line.

Maria now plans to practice both criminal and civil law. Her inspiring journey emphasizes the vital role of accessibility, proving how essential tools like Braille and assistive technology are in empowering individuals to achieve their professional dreams.