International Week of Deaf People

International Week of Deaf People is celebrated annually the last full week of September (that includes a Monday through Sunday) by national and regional associations of the deaf, local communities, and individuals worldwide.

History

The first celebration of the International Day of the Deaf was held on September 23,1958, and was initiated by the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), an international organization established on September 23 in 1951. The celebration on September 23 each year, is now named, International Day of Sign Languages. The day of awareness was eventually extended to a full week by the WFD, becoming the International Week of Deaf People.

The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) is an international, non-governmental organization of national associations of deaf people and is recognized by the United Nations (UN) as their spokes-organization to promote the human rights of deaf people. The WFD is composed of over 130 national associations of the deaf and represents approximately 70 million deaf people worldwide.

International Week of Deaf People is recognized by Deaf communities internationally. The World Federation of the Deaf celebrates International Week of Deaf People each year during late September to commemorate the first World Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf, which took place in September 1951. Many countries, like the United States, also celebrate the International Week of Deaf People each year during late September, but there are some countries that choose to observe the week at a different time.

The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) represents the United States at the General Assembly and World Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf and they promote International Week of Deaf People in the United States.

What is the Difference Between International Week of Deaf People and Deaf Awareness Week?

International Week of Deaf People was created and is put into place each year by The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD). This International Week is celebrated every year in locations all over the world. The WFD chooses the exact dates in September each year for all to celebrate. The WFD previously titled this week as International Week of the Deaf, but the week has now been titled, International Week of Deaf People.

Different countries and regions around the world celebrate International Week of Deaf People, but in addition, may also adopt their own celebrations during other times of the year. In many cases, celebrations with alternate dates or during different months during the year may be titled Deaf Awareness Week. Regional organizations may sponsor Deaf Awareness Week celebrations and coordinate themes and activities to correspond with their event. 

Purpose

The purpose of International Week of Deaf People is to increase public awareness of deaf issues, people, and culture. Activities and events throughout International Week of Deaf People encourage individuals to come together as a community for both educational events and celebrations.

Educational Opportunities for Observing the Celebration of International Week of Deaf People Include:

  • Celebrate the culture, heritage, and language unique to deaf people of the world.
  • Promote the rights of deaf people throughout the world, including education for deaf people, access to information and services, the use of sign languages, and human rights for deaf people in developing countries.
  • Recognize achievements of deaf people, including famous deaf individuals.
  • Educate about the misconceptions of being deaf and the challenges the deaf population face during everyday life.
  • Learn about types, degrees, and causes of hearing loss.
  • Be exposed to sign language and other ways deaf and hard of hearing people communicate.
  • Learn about the types of educational programs, support services, and resources that are available to the deaf and hard of hearing community, including children.
  • Gain a better understanding of deaf culture.
  • Understand that deaf and hard of hearing individuals are just as capable, able, and intelligent as hearing individuals. There is a difference in the way those that are deaf and hard of hearing communicate, but it is not a handicap or disability.

Events and Activities

The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) and the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) encourage organizations and local communities to recognize International Week of Deaf People through events that educate and bring the community together.

Types of events vary, but may include:

  • Awareness events, public information campaigns, and distribution of material
  • Displays, exhibit booths, and information tables – possibly found anywhere from a shopping mall to your local health center, community center, pool, club house, or park.
  • Interpreted story hours (libraries are a good place to check)
  • Open houses in schools that have deaf and hard of hearing programs or at facilities that offer educational and community resources.
  • Events put on by Deaf Ministry Programs in Churches
  • Sign Language lessons or courses for the public
  • Hearing screening
  • Events with guest speakers, workshops, or panel discussions
  • Film screenings
  • Sign Language concerts or performances
  • Games and other entertainment events for the community

You may see events in your local community from any of the following:

  • Deaf and Hard of Hearing organizations or clubs
  • Schools, colleges, and universities
  • Libraries
  • Churches
  • Businesses
  • Sign Language classes (for example, sometimes high school sign language students will do community outreach events)
  • Community groups and public venues

For more ideas, see the NAD Guide on Celebrating International Week of the Deaf People

Themes

The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) suggests the International Week of Deaf People (formerly, International Week of the Deaf) is celebrated by focusing on "Human Rights through Sign Languages." Since 2009, the WDF has created themes for International Week of Deaf People.

Past themes include:


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