International Day of Sign Languages

The Foundational Catalyst: A Community's Unyielding Advocacy

The International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL) emerged from decades of activism by deaf communities worldwide. The primary catalyst was the persistent effort of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), an international non-governmental organization founded in 1951. The WFD, representing approximately 70 million deaf people globally, lobbied the United Nations to recognize sign languages as fully fledged natural languages and to designate a day celebrating their use and diversity. The movement gained momentum in the 21st century as linguistic research validated the complex grammatical structures of sign languages, paralleling the rise of the social model of disability emphasizing inclusion and accessibility.

The Legislative/Official Adoption

The turning point came on December 19, 2017, when the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted resolution A/RES/72/161, proclaiming September 23rd as the International Day of Sign Languages. The date was chosen to commemorate the founding of the WFD on that same date in 1951. The resolution was spearheaded by the Permanent Mission of Antigua and Barbuda, with co-sponsorship from over 100 member states. This official adoption acknowledged sign languages as equal to spoken languages and reinforced the obligations under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which recognizes sign language as a human right.

Modern Global Legacy

The first IDSL was celebrated on September 23, 2018, with the theme "With Sign Language, Everyone is Included." Since then, each year has featured a specific theme highlighting aspects like bilingual education, technological access, and political participation. The day is now a platform for deaf communities to showcase their linguistic heritage, advocate for legal recognition of national sign languages, and demand inclusive policies in education, employment, and public services. Governments, educational institutions, and media outlets increasingly participate by offering sign language interpretation in public events, launching awareness campaigns, and integrating sign language into school curricula.

Celebrating IDSL goes beyond mere acknowledgment; it requires active engagement and promotion of sign language use. Below are actionable strategies for individuals, schools, and organizations to celebrate meaningfully.

For Individuals

• Learn basic signs: Start with fingerspelling the alphabet and common phrases like "hello" and "thank you." Apps like Lingvano and SignSchool offer free lessons.
• Use social media: Post a video of yourself signing a message using the hashtag #IDSL. Share resources about deaf culture and the importance of sign language rights.
• Attend local events: Many deaf organizations host workshops, sign language cafés, or silent dinners. Participate to practice signing and support the community.

For Schools and Educational Institutions

1. Integrate sign language into the curriculum: Offer a free introductory session or a semester-long course on the local sign language.
2. Host a deaf culture day: Invite deaf guest speakers, organize film screenings with sign language interpretation, and display art created by deaf artists.
3. Make signage inclusive: Add sign language diagrams to hallways and common areas. Teach students how to introduce themselves in sign language.

For Organizations and Businesses

• Provide sign language interpretation: Ensure that all public events and press conferences include professional interpreters.
• Launch internal training: Offer sign language classes to employees to foster an inclusive workplace for deaf colleagues.
• Support deaf-owned businesses: Promote and purchase from deaf entrepreneurs to boost economic empowerment.

Regional Celebrations

While the UN sets the global date, specific countries have adapted the celebration. In India, the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC) organizes large-scale sign language rallies. In South Africa, the South African Sign Language (SASL) Day on September 22 features cultural performances and poetry. In Sweden, the Swedish National Association of the Deaf runs a week-long campaign leading up to September 23rd, emphasizing bilingual education. In Australia, Auslan Day on April 30 is celebrated separately, but on IDSL they focus on online storytelling in sign language.

Linguistic Recognition and Preservation

Sign languages are natural languages with distinct grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, unrelated to the spoken languages of their regions. IDSL has spurred many governments to legally recognize their national sign languages. For instance, Uganda enshrined Ugandan Sign Language in its 1995 constitution, and New Zealand made NZSL an official language in 2006.

Education and Early Intervention

A major impact is on deaf education. Research shows that deaf children who acquire sign language early develop stronger cognitive and literacy skills. IDSL campaigns advocate for bilingual-bicultural education models that combine sign language and written spoken language. Countries like Finland and Denmark have established programs where sign language is the primary medium of instruction in deaf schools.

Economic Empowerment

Deaf individuals face higher unemployment rates globally. IDSL promotes inclusive workplaces by raising awareness about the need for reasonable accommodations, such as sign language interpreters in job interviews and work settings. Organizations like Deaf Professional Arts Network and Global Deaf Muslim use IDSL to showcase successful deaf professionals, inspiring youth and challenging stereotypes.

Healthcare Access

Access to healthcare is a critical issue. Many deaf patients experience miscommunication, leading to misdiagnosis. IDSL highlights the need for accessible medical services, including sign language interpretation in hospitals and mental health support. For example, the National Deaf Service in the UK provides specialized psychiatric care delivered in British Sign Language.

Video Relay Services (VRS)

VRS enables deaf individuals to make phone calls via a sign language interpreter using video connections. On IDSL, many VRS providers offer free service days or demonstrations to raise awareness. Video Remote Interpretation (VRI) has become essential during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering on-demand access via tablets in hospitals and legal settings.

Mobile Applications

Apps like Hand Talk (Brazilian Sign Language) and SignAll use AI to translate spoken language into sign language avatars. IDSL offers a platform to launch new features, such as sign language recognition via smartphone cameras.

Social Media and Online Communities

Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have seen a surge in deaf creators signing content. IDSL trends with viral challenges, such as #SignLanguageDanceChallenge, which boost visibility. Facebook groups and YouTube channels dedicated to teaching sign language see increased engagement on September 23rd.

Assistive Devices

Smart gloves and haptic vests that convert sign language into text or speech are prototypes showcased during IDSL events. While still in development, these innovations spark discussions on preserving language authenticity versus technological convenience.

UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)

Adopted in 2006, CRPD explicitly recognizes sign languages as equal to spoken languages. Article 21 mandates states to accept and facilitate the use of sign languages. IDSL serves as a checkpoint for countries to report progress on implementing CRPD provisions.

National Sign Language Officialization

Several countries have used IDSL as a target date to pass legislation. Kenya passed the Sign Language Bill in 2017, coming into effect on September 23, 2018. Nepal began recognizing Nepali Sign Language in its education system after 2019 IDSL campaigns.

World Federation of the Deaf's Human Rights Declaration

In 2020, the WFD released an updated Charter on Sign Language Rights, which outlines 30 rights including the right to a sign language environment from birth. IDSL events worldwide are used to collect signatures and press governments for ratification.

Intersectionality and Marginalized Groups

Advocacy increasingly addresses the needs of deafblind individuals (using tactile sign language), deaf women and girls facing gender-based violence, and deaf refugees. IDSL thematic reports by UN agencies highlight these intersections, pushing for inclusive policies that leave no one behind.

Deaf Literature and Poetry

Sign language poetry uses visual rhythms and handshape metaphors. Renowned poets like Clayton Valli (ASL) and Raymond Antrobus (BSL) perform at IDSL events. The day provides a stage for emerging deaf poets to share their work.

Theatre and Performing Arts

The National Theatre of the Deaf in the US and Deafinitely Theatre in the UK produce plays incorporating sign language and spoken word. IDSL often features free performances or online broadcasts of celebrated works like "Children of a Lesser God."

Deaf Cinema

Films such as "The Silent Child" (2017) and "Sound of Metal" (2020) have increased mainstream awareness of deaf experiences. On IDSL, film festivals around the world screen deaf-directed documentaries and shorts, promoting authentic representation.

Music and Sign Songs

Many musicians now incorporate sign language interpreters into their concerts. The Sign Language Interpreters for Justin Bieber and Beyoncé have gone viral. IDSL encourages fans to learn signs for their favorite songs, creating bridge between hearing and deaf cultures.