International Day of Sign Languages is observed annually on September 23, along with the celebrations of International Week of the Deaf. It was first celebrated in 1958 and has since evolved into a global movement for deaf unity, one that focuses on raising awareness about the importance of sign language as a means of communication and in ‘full realization of the human rights of people who are deaf,’ according to the United Nations. It also commemorates the day the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) was established in 1951. The proposal for the Day came from the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), a federation of 135 national associations of deaf people, representing approximately 70 million deaf people’s human rights worldwide. The resolution to the effect was adopted by consensus on 19 December 2017. The WFD works towards ensuring the human rights of deaf people worldwide. According to the WFD, there are around 72 million people worldwide who use sign language. This International Day recognizes the importance of sign languages for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and fulfilling its core promise of leaving no one behind. It also offers an opportunity to support and protect the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of all sign language users. The International Day of Sign Languages is a time to recognize the culture, language, and heritage of the deaf community. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, one can host virtual events that range from a themed exhibit in schools and institutes. Performing artists, film festivals, historical exhibits, lectures, art exhibits, Deaf Festivals, booths in area shopping malls, cultural activities held in conjunction with sporting events.
This day is particularly significant as it presents the opportunity to ‘support and protect the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of all deaf people and other sign language users.’ According to data collected by the World Federation of the Deaf, there are around 72 million deaf people in the world, and over 300 different sign languages are used by them. Though in essence, sign languages structurally differ from spoken language, they are full-fledged natural languages, even in its many forms. On a global scale, there is an international sign language which is used for official meeting or even when informally travelling and socializing. World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) initiated the observation of the International Day of Sign Languages. The United Nations’ Permanent Mission of Antigua and Barbuda sponsored and 97 United Nations Member States co-sponsored the resolution A/RES/72/161 and it was adopted by consensus on 19 December 2017. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has proclaimed 23 September as the International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL) with an aim to raise awareness of the significance of sign language in the full realization of the human rights of people who are deaf. The International Day of Sign languages was first celebrated in the year 2018 under the theme With Sign Language, Everyone is Included!
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, acknowledges and encourages the use of sign language. It also recognises that sign languages are equal in status to spoken languages. Early access to sign language, like quality education available in sign language is essential to the growth and development of deaf individuals. According to the United Nations, it recognises the importance of preserving sign languages as a part of linguistic and cultural diversity.
For the year 2020, the World Federation of the Deaf has issued a ‘Global Leaders Challenge’, which is being organised to promote the use of sign language by locals, national and global leaders who are in partnerships with national association of deaf people in each country.
