This week we celebrate International Week of Deaf People, and this year the theme is: No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights. During this week, it is important that we celebrate the Deaf community, raise deaf awareness and ultimately take action in order to make a difference.
It is important this week that we champion deaf voices and make sure that the deaf community are included in the decision-making which will directly affect their lives. Although we highlight it this week, we must continue to campaign for a world where people have the space to use their national sign language and collaborate on decisions which affect their lives.
Day 1 theme: “Deaf communities leading”:
The theme for Day 1 illuminates the importance of collaborating with Deaf-led alliances in government decision making. It is important to keep in mind the motto, ‘nothing about us without us’, which emphasises the notion that true progress is driven from partnerships where deaf people lead and others support them as committed allies.
It is important that leaders speak out for wider recognition of sign language and ensure deaf individuals are involved with influencing public opinion and laws. Governments must work with deaf individuals so they can represent themselves on issues affecting their rights and way of life.
Today emphasises the value of authentic deaf leadership and lived experience. Although we highlight this today, it is crucial that this is respected every day, ensuring decisions.
Day 2 theme: No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights:
Tuesday focuses on the importance of, ‘No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights’. In other words, human rights can only be fully exercised with the ability to communicate. Therefore, it is important that we campaign for a world where deaf people can sign everywhere, ensuring they can exercise their full citizenship.
As we look at the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which highlights freedom of expression, we recognise progress made and the challenges that remain in ensuring equality for all. The achievements made so far, all lead to one united goal, a world where deaf people everywhere can sign anywhere.
Day 3 theme: Multilingual education for deaf learners:
The theme for day 3 focuses on the right of deaf learners to receive education in environments that are both linguistically and culturally appropriate. The World Federation of the Deaf advocate for the implementation of article 24 of the CRPD, which requires that education must be delivered in the most appropriate of modes and languages.
It is important that deaf learners are not isolated but can learn with fellow deaf peers using sign language. This kind of environment supports better academic, social, and emotional development.
Day 4 theme: Deaf Rights in Crises:
Day 4 concentrates on the importance of collaborative work with Deaf communities during disaster planning. Namely, collaboration in disaster management, emergency preparedness and response to crises.
It is vital that governments abide by Article 11 of the UNCRPD which requires states and organisations to ensure that deaf people have access to information in sign language during emergencies. For example, it is key that in all official events that provide health and emergency information that it is offered in their national sign language through a qualified interpreter.
Today’s theme reinforces that deaf people must not be overlooked in times of crisis and that their access is a right, not an option.
Day 5 theme: Recognition of National Sign Language:
The theme for Day 5 emphasises that for Deaf people to fulfil their rights it is vital that there is legal recognition of national sign languages. Article 21 of UNCRPD guarantees the rights to freedom of expression, opinion, and access to information on an equal basis with others, including communication of their choice.
It is crucial that governments abide by Article 21, for Deaf people to be able to uphold their rights. By implementing legal recognition of the national sign language, we can ensure that deaf people can fully participate in society.
Day 6 theme: Sign Language Access Services:
The theme of Day 6 addresses the practical provision of services that allow deaf people to use sign language where needed, for example, interpretation services, translation, or visual communication support. It is important that states and event organisers consult with deaf participants prior, to ensure sufficient funding is utilised for professional sign language interpreters.
We must work in a proactive manner, ensuring deaf people have equal access to communication that helps them fully participate in society and overall receive justice.
Day 7 theme: Set the basis for the future: together we can innovate, inspire and impact:
As International Week of Deaf People ends, it is important to look forward. As we look forward, we look toward a future of collaboration and innovation. Deaf communities are rich in diversity and intersectionality and their real-life experiences can add significant value to policy and change.
Day 7 is a call to action: the future of our technology begins with knowledge derived from rich and diverse communities. Together, we can innovate, and create a world where deaf people everywhere can sign anywhere!