Signing Savvy, Your Sign Language Resource

International Day of Sign Languages

The International Day of Sign Languages is a day to celebrate sign languages and to unite those that use them across the globe.

Each year it is celebrated on September 23rd.

This year’s theme for the day is “Sign Language Unites Us!”  

The International Day of Sign Languages was created by the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD). They continue to organize and promote the day each year. 

The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) was established to bring together people from around the world to address the need for inclusion, accessibility, and equal human rights for all deaf people. The WFD was established on September 23 in 1951 and the organization then picked September 23rd as the annual day to recognize deaf people, celebrating the first "International Day of the Deaf" in 1958. The day is now recognized as "International Day of Sign Languages."

This year, the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) is inviting all public places, landmarks, official buildings, etc. to be spotlighted in blue on September 23. So, if you see a public building, city hall, or stadium all lit up in blue, let yourself pause and reflect on your community and the world highlighting the need for recognition of the importance of sign languages.

International Week of Deaf People

Building on a great idea, the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) now also wraps a full week of educational and inspirational themes around the International Day of Sign Languages. This year’s International Week of Deaf People is to be observed on Monday, September 19 through Sunday, September 25, 2022. The theme for this 2022 International Week of Deaf People is, “Building Inclusive Communities for All.” You may find themes for each day along with important facts related to the needs and goals of raising awareness and creating equity at the WFD website.

For more information see our page on the International Week of Deaf People.

Share on Social

Take part in spreading the message by using hashtags #IWDP and #IDSignLanguages and #WFDeaf (International Week of Deaf People and International Day of Sign Languages and World Federation of the Deaf).