International Day of Sign Languages is celebrated on 23 September with an objective of raising awareness of sign languages throughout the world.
Among the Day’s objectives:
Promote deaf people as unique in having both perspectives of disability and linguistic minority and that sign language and deaf culture strengthens multilingualism and are means of promoting, protecting and preserving diversity of languages and cultures globally.
Emphasise sign language as a critical prerequisite to the full realisation of human rights for deaf people. Early access to sign language and services in sign language, including quality education available in sign language, is vital to the growth and development of the deaf individual and critical to the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals.
Stress “Nothing about us, Without us” when working with Deaf Communities, the principle ‘Nothing about us, Without Us’ must be integrated.