Every year on September 23, the world celebrates the International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL) to raise awareness of the value of sign languages in fostering accessibility and inclusion for the deaf population. The UN recognised Sign Language Day in 2018 to raise awareness of the importance of sign languages for social inclusion, education, and communication. It also honours the Deaf community’s distinct identity and cultural legacy. To promote the acceptance of sign languages in the legal and educational systems and to guarantee equal opportunities for Deaf people to fully engage in society, several events and activities are planned.
International Day of Sign Languages 2024 Theme
To highlight the solidarity that sign languages provide, 2024 Sign Language Day is a celebration of the language and culture of Deaf people and sign language users. Every year, the International Day of Sign Languages has a subject; this year, there is a rising need for sign languages to be supported and acknowledged globally.
History of International Day of Sign Languages
- The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), a federation of 135 national groups protecting the human rights of almost 70 million deaf persons worldwide, suggested the International Day of Sign Languages.
- On December 19, 2017, Resolution A/RES/72/161, which was co-sponsored by 97 UN Member States and supported by the Permanent Mission of Antigua and Barbuda to the UN, was unanimously adopted.
- The date of 23 September was selected to honour the founding of the WFD in 1951, which was the catalyst for the development of an advocacy group dedicated to the preservation of Deaf culture and sign languages as necessary conditions for the fulfilment of the human rights of the Deaf community.
- Since its founding in September 1958, the International Week of the Deaf has grown into a global movement supporting the rights of the deaf.
- As part of the larger International Week of the Deaf, which has developed into an international movement of deaf solidarity and coordinated lobbying to raise awareness of the challenges deaf people experience in their everyday lives, the first International Day of Sign Languages was celebrated in 2018.
- Since its founding in September 1958, the International Week of the Deaf has grown into a global movement of deaf solidarity and organised advocacy to raise awareness of the issues that deaf people deal with daily.
Significance of International Day of Sign Languages
- September 23 is designated as the International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL), honouring the role that sign languages play in the global realisation of deaf people’s human rights. Given that there are more than 70 million deaf persons in the globe, it is more important than ever to acknowledge and support sign languages.
- The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities mandates that nations support the development of sign languages and highlights the equality of spoken and sign languages.
- Deaf people need early access to sign language and services, particularly in education, for their development. IDSL offers a singular chance to uphold and maintain the linguistic distinctiveness and cultural variety of all sign language users, including the deaf.
- National sign languages are still being developed, promoted, and acknowledged by deaf communities, governments, and civil society organisations as essential components of their countries.
- More than 80% of deaf people reside in developing nations and speak more than 300 distinct sign languages, according to the World Federation of the Deaf.
- IDSL is important because it advocates for sign language access and inclusion in all facets of life while bringing attention to sign languages and the deaf population.
- Deaf individuals can interact with others, engage fully in society, and strengthen their communities by expressing their viewpoints and life experiences thanks to sign language access.
Conclusion
The International Day of Sign Languages is an international event that highlights the value of sign languages and the rights of those who identify as Deaf. The goal of the 2024 theme is to foster sign language education and inclusivity to build a more welcoming community where all people—regardless of their hearing ability—are respected and understood.
