International Day of Sign Languages 2023; September 23rd.

 FORUM:“A World Where Deaf People Everywhere Can Sign Anywhere”. International Day of Sign Languages 2023. On this edition, the world will highlight the unity generated by our over 200 different national sign languages. Deaf communities, governments and civil society organisations continue their collective efforts - hand in hand - to foster, promote and recognise national sign languages as part of their countries’ vibrant and diverse linguistic landscapes. The Blue Light Challenge is an unique opportunity for national governments to partner with their national associations of deaf people in achieving the human rights of their deaf communities. Join us in Shining a Blue Light on Sign Languages!; Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #InternationalDayofSignLanguages, #2'3september, #SignLanguages, #IDSL,#IDWP and #BlueLight.

EVENTS: Following the success of the first Shine a blue light on Sign Languages in 2022, the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) is continuing the Blue Light for Sign Languages this year, aiming to highlight the unity brought by the shared experience of national sign languages. This International Day of Sign Languages 2023 event aims to unite the world, its citizens, communities and societies through the blue light. We invite all public places, public landmarks and official buildings, Presidential houses, County buildings, City Halls, and others to be spotlighted in blue light on 23 September 2023. By highlighting the blue colour on their buildings and landmarks is a reaffirmation of our joint commitment to supporting national sign languages and showing solidarity with global deaf communities. Together, we can achieve human rights and a more equal society via the use of national sign languages in all areas of life. The WFD encourages its 135 Ordinary Members, national associations of deaf people, as well its international partners and all other relevant stakeholders, to reach out to their governments officials and invite them to contribute to this Blue Light For Sign Languages Event by lighting buildings with the Blue Light.

WEBINARS: On Saturday 23 September, 2023; you are invited to Participate to the online panel discussions entitled “A World Where Deaf People Everywhere Can Sign Anywhere.”. The sub-themes “Declaration on the right of the deaf children.”; “ Building capacity across the world.”; “Realising "Nothing Without Us."; ”Putting Deaf People on the Agenda.”;”Achieving Sign Language Rights for All.”; “Building Inclusive Deaf Communities.’’ will be developed during the celebration of the International Week of the Deaf people 2023 from 18 to 24 September.

Today, we share the WFD’s vision of a world where deaf people everywhere can sign anywhere. A world where deaf people are seen as a part of the natural range of human diversity, and national sign languages are celebrated and used everywhere as part of national societies. The WFD calls upon all governments to take measures to ensure at least 50% of their children and youth know their national sign languages, as a step towards building societies in which deaf people everywhere can sign anywhere.

STATEMENT: Watch the statement of the World Federation of Deaf People on International Day of Sign Languages 2023; September 23rd.

When we include facial expression, body language and most importantly British Sign Language, we will be able to communicate and understand each other. Are you interested in becoming more deaf-aware? RAD provides Deaf Awareness Training. Royal Association for Deaf People.