Sponsorship for institutions of people with disabilities: possibilities for Public Relations based on a case study

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15847/OBS20262744

Keywords:

Public Relations, sponsorship, inclusion, people with disability, social responsibility

Abstract

This study discusses the role of Public Relations in promoting sponsorship initiatives for institutions that serve people with disabilities, considering the profession as a social and transformative agent. The central question is: how can Public Relations contribute to the inclusion of people with disabilities through sponsorships? To explore this issue, a qualitative study was conducted, including a literature review and a case study of a private organization that sponsors social institutions. The findings reveal that, despite the recognition of the importance of inclusion, organizations face challenges such as ableism and a lack of commitment to social responsibility in their sponsorship practices. The research suggests that, in sponsorship processes involving institutions for people with disabilities, organizations should adopt inclusive and transparent communication, as well as establish sustainable partnerships that address the specific needs of these communities. This is essential to ensure meaningful social impact and to strengthen corporate social responsibility.

Author Biographies

Mariana Gonçalves da Silva, São Paulo State University (Unesp)

Holds a bachelor's degree in Public Relations from the Faculty of Architecture, Arts, Communication and Design (FAAC) of the São Paulo State University (Unesp) Bauru Campus/Brazil. Member of the Language and Accessible Media Research Group (Gelima) and collaborator of the Education, Research and Extension Laboratory in Media and Accessibility “Biblioteca Falada”.

Guilherme Ferreira de Oliveira, São Paulo State University (Unesp)

PhD candidate in Communication at the Faculty of Architecture, Arts, Communication and Design (FAAC) of São Paulo State University (Unesp), Bauru campus. Holds a Master's degree in Media and Technology and a Bachelor's degree in Public Relations from the same institution. Deputy leader of the Research Group on Language and Accessible Media (Gelima) and member of the Study and Research Group on Media Literacy and Educational Public Relations and the Education, Research and Extension Laboratory in Media and Accessibility “Biblioteca Falada”.

Suely Maciel, São Paulo State University (Unesp)

Professor of the Postgraduate Program in Media and Technology (PPGMiT) and undergraduate courses at the Faculty of Architecture, Arts, Communication and Design (FAAC) of the São Paulo State University (Unesp) Bauru Campus/Brazil. Leader of the Language and Accessible Media Research Group (Gelima) and Coordinator of the Education, Research and Extension Laboratory in Media and Accessibility “Biblioteca Falada”.

Published

2026-02-06

How to Cite

Gonçalves da Silva, M., Oliveira, G. F. de, & Maciel, S. (2026). Sponsorship for institutions of people with disabilities: possibilities for Public Relations based on a case study. Observatorio (OBS*), 20(1), 22–42. https://doi.org/10.15847/OBS20262744

Issue

Section

Articles