International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL) is today, September 23, 2024.
This day is a unique opportunity to support and protect the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of all deaf people and other sign language users.
The theme for 2024 is “Sign up for Sign Language Rights,” emphasising the importance of recognising and promoting sign languages as equal in status to spoken languages. Here is a brief history of the International Day of Sign Languages:
1951: The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) was established to promote deaf rights and interests.
1988: The First International Conference of Sign Language Peoples was held in Tokyo, highlighting sign language diversity.
1997: WFD launched the International Week of the Deaf (IWDeaf) to raise awareness.
2018: The first IDSL was celebrated on September 23, with the theme “Sign Languages are for Everyone.”
The theme for 2024 is “Sign up for Sign Language Rights,” emphasizing the importance of recognizing and promoting sign languages as equal in status to spoken languages
Global Impact – Increased awareness about sign languages. – Advocacy for sign language rights. – Growth of sign language education. – Enhanced accessibility and inclusion.