Voices of Silence: Celebrating the International Week of the Deaf people

Voices of Silence: Celebrating the International Week of the Deaf people

In an increasingly diverse and inclusive world, it is critical to acknowledge and honor the distinct contributions and difficulties that different communities experience. The deaf community and others with hearing impairments are important members of these communities. In actuality, there are more than 70 million deaf persons in the globe today. International Week of the Deaf is celebrating this year from Mon Sep 23rd, 2024 – Sun Sep 29th, 2024.

Every year, a global event known as International Week of Deaf People, or Deaf Awareness Week, is held with the goals of raising awareness of the problems that the deaf community faces, showcasing their accomplishments and culture, and promoting an inclusive society. Would you like additional information about this joyous occasion and how you may participate in it? Then make sure you read this article through to the end!

The International Week of Deaf People’s History

The International Week of the Deaf was founded in Rome, Italy, in 1958 by the World Federation of the Deaf. Since then, the World Federation of the Deaf has honored it annually in September of this year to honor the month that the organization had its first-ever World Congress.

When and what is the International Week of Deaf People held?  

An international platform for promoting awareness of the rights, culture, and accomplishments of the deaf community worldwide is provided by the International Week of Deaf People. It’s important to acknowledge their language and cultural variety and to stress the value of accessibility and inclusion in all facets of life.

The International Week of Deaf People usually takes place in the last week of September, though the exact dates may differ slightly from year to year. It’s a time when deaf groups, organizations, governments, and individuals unite to support the rights and welfare of the deaf community and to honor its accomplishments and contributions.

What is the 2024 theme?  

In honor of International Week of the Deaf, the WFD now invites its national associations and their affiliates to celebrate with a sign language emphasis on human rights. This theme highlights the positive portrayal of deaf people’s accomplishments and deaf culture. In addition to strengthening the bonds between the deaf community and those who assist them, this focus offers a chance to spur increased global efforts to advance the rights of the deaf community.

Why is the International Week of Deaf People an essential event for society to observe?

The relevance of recognizing the International Week of Deaf People extends beyond the deaf community itself. The following are a few strong arguments in favor of society as a whole getting involved and supporting this event:

Encourages inclusivity

One essential principle that contemporary cultures ought to preserve is inclusion. This week’s celebration serves as a reminder of how crucial it is to foster an inclusive workplace where all employees, regardless of hearing ability, are welcome to engage and contribute. This conveys a strong message that diversity is valued and not just acknowledged.

Increases consciousness

Many people are ignorant of the difficulties deaf persons encounter on a daily basis. By drawing attention to these issues, the International Week of Deaf People encourages empathy and understanding among the broader public. People have the opportunity to gain knowledge about the deaf community, the value of sign language, and the necessity of accessible communication.

Supports human rights

This week’s celebration is about more than just spreading awareness; it’s about standing out for the human rights of people who are deaf or have hearing loss. This covers the rights to work, healthcare, education, and engagement in all facets of society. We demonstrate our commitment to protecting these rights for everyone by taking part.

Promotes linguistic diversity

A vital component of the world’s linguistic variety are sign languages. This week’s celebration recognizes the value of protecting and advancing these distinctive and colorful forms of expression. Our culture is richer culturally as a result of this awareness.

Encourages constructive change 

The International Week of Deaf People is a driving force behind progress. It motivates authorities, institutions, and people to act to enhance the quality of life for the deaf in their neighborhoods. This event encourages significant advancement, whether it be in the form of enhanced accessibility, policy modifications, or raised awareness.

Early detection can reduce risk of hearing loss

Many of the effects of hearing loss can be mitigated by early detection and therapies, such as special education programs and sign language workshops for young children and their families. At any age, assistive technologies—like cochlear implants, closed captioning, hearing aids, and other gadgets—as well as helpful services—like speech therapy and aural rehabilitation—can be beneficial to people with hearing loss.

The WHO estimates that only 3% of the world’s hearing aid output satisfies the requirement in low- and middle-income countries, where the impact of hearing loss is disproportionately large. Thus, World Deaf Day can help raise awareness of the difficulties encountered by the deaf community as well as early detection and preventive steps to reduce the chance of hearing loss.

Daily themes 

The International Day of Sign Languages is Monday, September 23, 2024. Enroll in Rights for Sign Language

In light of the CRPD’s 20th anniversary in 2026, working to improve the national implementation of the document through the linguistic human rights of the deaf community. Join forces with your local and national groups to declare the accomplishment of a tangible objective for the deaf communities, and stand up for the rights of those who use sign language.

Tuesday, September 24, 2024: Education That Is Inclusive

Promoting high-quality, bilingual, inclusive education that uses national sign languages to include deaf students. By endorsing our Declaration on the Rights of Deaf Children, we urge people, organizations, and governments to support the rights of people who use sign language!

Wednesday, September 25, 2024: Advocacy in Sign Language

Urge everyone to take a proactive stance in support of deaf people’s rights and the official adoption of national sign languages. Promote your national sign languages in public spaces to assert your rights to sign language use.

Thursday, September 26, 2024: Developing Robust Deaf Societies

Enhancing the deaf populations’ ability to plan for and respond to emergencies in order to lower their vulnerability to disasters and lower their risk of catastrophes. Assert your claim to sign language rights by showcasing collaborations between emergency response teams and the deaf community

Diversity in Deaf Communities on Friday, September 27, 2024

Accepting diversity in deaf communities and recognizing the uniqueness of each deaf person with multiple overlapping identities.  Raise awareness of the numerous intersectional identities that makeup our diverse deaf community and fight for sign language rights!

Saturday, September 28, 2024: Celebrations of Deaf Culture

Showcasing our sign languages and cultures while honoring the rich cultural legacy of the deaf populations. The behaviors, customs, beliefs, values, humor, history, and artwork that are exclusive to Deaf communities are all part of Deaf culture. Our linguistic and cultural identities make us proud. Host an event today that highlights the diverse cultures of our deaf communities to show support for the rights of those who use sign language.

Sunday, September 29, 2024: Making an investment in the deaf communities’ future

In order to guarantee early exposure to national sign languages and access to language-rich contexts, let’s encourage deaf children and their families to connect with deaf communities. Join the Sign Language Rights movement by posting a video on social media that expresses your hopes for the deaf communities of the future.

How Do We Honour International Week of the Deaf?

To assist you in taking part in the International Week of Deaf People observances, consider some of these ideas:

Participate in Local Deaf Week Events

Around the world, a great number of towns, cities, and villages will be celebrating the International Week of Deaf People by organizing a variety of events and activities that the public is welcome to participate in. Open houses for their facilities or opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of deaf people and their culture may be offered by deaf schools and organizations.

Establish Learning Opportunities

This event presents an ideal chance for educators, parents, and other concerned parties to support learning. Maybe it would be a good idea to plan classes around the theme of the International Week of Deaf People, encouraging pupils to try out some sign language.

Acquire proficiency in sign language

One way to commemorate the International Week of Deaf People and the Day of Sign Languages is to resolve to pick up a few new vocabulary words so that you can interact with those who use sign language. Learn a new language and start using your hands to communicate with a whole new group of people by enrolling in a course, hiring a tutor, going online, or using a learning app!