Sign language is the only medium by which the deaf can communicate with the rest of the world, hence making it more than important for them to learn this language and transmit their message to the world. It has been made mandatory by the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) to facilitate the learning of sign language to the bodies governing it. And has also directed them to promote the linguistic identity of the deaf people.

International Day of Sign Languages

International Day of Sign Languages is an opportunity to bring in front of the eyes of the entire globe the importance of sign languages both for the deafs and for the one understanding it. As per the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), more than 7 million people are hearing impaired worldwide. To commemorate these specially-abled human beings, every year the world marks the International Sign Languages Day on September 23. Interestingly, there are over 300 different sign languages around the world.

History

On this day in 1951, the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) was also founded. The federation including 135 national associations of deaf representatives of 70 million deafs around the globe, proposed the idea of this day for the first time. The resolution A/RES/72/161 was officially accepted by consensus on 19th December 2017. Officially, the day of establishment of WFD in 1951, 23rd September has been chosen as the day to mark International Day of Sign Languages every year. This federation has its first and foremost goal to uplift the standard of deafs and fight for their human rights. Hence this date was chosen. The day was first celebrated in September 2018 as a part of the International Week for the deaf. International Week for the deaf has been continuously being celebrated since 1958 to bring into the limelight the problems of the deafs.

Theme of this year

The theme for this year's International Day of Sign Languages is "We Sign for Human Rights. According to the UN, the theme highlights how "each deaf and hearing people across the world can work together" to promote the recognition of the right to use sign language in all areas of life. 

Need for more interpreters

There are now less than 300 ISL-certified interpreters available in India. Even among the deaf community in India, there is a general lack of awareness regarding sign languages. Many deaf parents have no idea how to communicate with their children who are deaf. Deaf persons are sometimes mocked or ignored by others who can hear them. Learning ISL will help to overcome these gaps and raise awareness of the deaf population and culture.