International Day of Sign Languages 2024

Did you know that there are over 70 million deaf people living across the world and more than 80% of them live in developing countries? That number is truly mind-boggling, which just shows why identifying and celebrating sign languages as a valid medium of communication.

Celebrated around the world on 23 September. International Day of Sign Languages is a global awareness-raising initiative. To promote the rights of sign language users in deaf communities and other hearing loss environments. Deaf Day is upheld to celebrate the establishment of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) in 1951. Which marked one watershed moment within modern-day deaf history.

Theme: Sign up for Sign Language Rights
Objective: To raise awareness of sign languages and priority areas in order to realize the human rights of deaf people
Impact: To campaign for sign language Education to be introduced as early as pre-school and also to help support the different types of signs around the world

Today, we celebrate International Day of Sign Language, recognising the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in retail.

As per the World Federation of the Deaf, this year's theme is “Sign Up for Sign Language Rights”, advocating for accessibility in social settings. pic.twitter.com/SPOJLV4SQk
— Australian Retailers Association (ARA) (@retailaustralia) September 23, 2024

Why is the International Day of Sign Languages Important?

It is important to recognize that sign languages are complete natural languages, quite distinct from spoken languages. They are necessary for securing the full and equal enjoyment of human rights for deaf people.
We need to push for knowledge in sign language as well as the acceptance of deaf people by all levels of society.
Sign languages are complete, natural human languages, as rich and complex grammatically as spoken languages, serving to support the cultural identity of Deaf people all over the world.

How Can You Support International Day of Sign Languages?