We join people from around the world in celebrating Deaf People and Sign Languages internationally. Find out more about how you can support International Week of Deaf People (#IWDP) and the International Day of Sign Languages (#IDSL).
International Week of Deaf People 2024
The overall theme for 2024 is Sign up for Sign Language Rights, with a different focus each day:
- Monday 23 September (International Day of Sign Languages): Sign Up for Sign Language Rights
- Tuesday 24 September: Inclusive Education
- Wednesday 25 September: Sign Language Advocacy
- Thursday 26 September: Building Resilient Deaf Communities
- Friday 27 September: Diversity in Deaf Communities
- Saturday 28 September: Deaf Cultural Celebrations
- Sunday 29 September: Investing in the future of deaf communities
Click here for more details about the 2024 week and the themes.
The International Week of Deaf People (IWDP) is an initiative of the World Federation of the Deaf and was first launched in 1958 in Rome, Italy. It is celebrated annually by the global Deaf Community on the last week of September each year to commemorate the same month the first World Congress of the WFD was held. International Week of the Deaf is celebrated through various activities by the respective Deaf Communities worldwide.
International Day of Sign Languages
International Day of Sign Languages is part of the IWDP. On 23 September, public places, landmarks, official buildings, Presidential houses, City Halls, stadiums, and more will be illuminated in blue light to unite the world in support of sign languages.
The British Deaf Association (BDA) encourages members to petition local and national Government to shine a blue light on UK landmarks for Shine A Blue Light on Sign Languages. This event aims to unite the world, its citizens, communities and societies by shining a blue light on sign languages. Blue is the colour of the World Federation of the Deaf and the United Nations logo.
The BDA encourage you to follow their social media channels – Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram and share your own thoughts and aspirations for Deaf people around the world using the hashtags #IWDP and #IDSL.
UK Handprint petition for free BSL tuition
The British Deaf Association is also asking people to sign and share their handprint petition calling on the Government to fund access to free British Sign Languages (BSL) tuition for deaf children and their families.
With over 50,000 deaf children in the UK, 90% are born to hearing parents who have no knowledge of sign language. As babies start to develop language from birth, early language acquisition is essential for a child’s development and wellbeing, yet, sign language is often limited and costly. BDA believe in the limitless potential of deaf children with proper language access. Add your handprint to the handprint petition online here.
Deaf organisations and support in Newcastle/North East
There are a range of organisations based in Newcastle and the North East that support the Deaf community, as well as teaching BSL, Deaf Awareness and learning about Deaf Culture. Click on the links below to find out more.
- Becoming Visible: A Deaf led organisation which supports activities and projects for Deaf people in the wider community, raising awareness and supporting volunteers. They also manage a BSL/English interpreting agency, offer an extensive range of BSL training courses and has established expertise in BSL media translation. Follow them on X/Twitter, Facebook (for news, events and activities) and YouTube
- Newcastle Deaf Centre: The Centre has a meeting room, bar, kitchen, dining area and social club room and a private garden. It seeks to bring communities together, offers education and career fairs, as well as hosting talks with academics and research groups. It offers welfare and health advice in BSL, as well as creative activities.
- Deaflink: A charity providing opportunities for Deaf people to meet and to learn through forums and groups. They also try and help and support people who are having difficulties accessing services or their rights.
- Newcastle City Council Sensory Support Services: A team provides practical support to people with difficulties with sight or hearing and signposts to wider support services.
- North East Mental Health and Deafness Service: This service is for Deaf and Deafblind people aged 18 years or older who use British Sign Language to communicate and who have mental health problems. They work with the Community Treatment Team (CTT) in local areas.
- Signature: A charity that promotes excellence in communication with deaf and deafblind people, offer nationally recognised qualifications in subjects such as British Sign Language and speech to text reporting and they administer the National Registers for Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind people.
- The North Regional Association For Sensory Support represents the interest of people who are Deaf, Deaf/Blind or have a significant sensory loss, throughout the region. The main purpose of the association is to promote better services and greater interest through health, education and social services.
- Information Now: Search their website for events, information and organisations in the local area
- Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID): RNID is a national organisation helping deaf people and people with hearing loss or tinnitus with practical advice about hearing loss, tinnitus and hearing aids.