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 and the International Day of Sign Languages on 23rd September.
Click on the image below to play the video in British Sign Language (British Deaf Association)
A World Where Deaf People Everywhere Can Sign Anywhere!
International Week of Deaf People 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 is on Saturday 23rd September. The British Deaf Association (BDA) has asked various Government departments 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, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn this week and share your own thoughts and aspirations for Deaf people around the world using the hashtags #IWDP and #IDSL.
Deaf organisations and support in Newcastle
There are a range of organisations based in Newcastle that support the Deaf community, as well as teaching BSL, Deaf Awareness and learning about Deaf Culture.
- 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 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.