Events

Sep: International Day of Sign Languages & Week of the Deaf

23 to 29 September 2024

This year’s theme, to mark International Day of Sign Languages, is “A World Where Deaf People Everywhere Can Sign Anywhere” in their national sign language.

[Image: Maleni Chaitoo addresses a meeting using sign language during the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in 2015]

Sign languages are fully fledged natural languages, structurally distinct from spoken languages. Early access to sign language and services in sign language, including quality education available in sign language, is vital to the growth and development of the Deaf individual.

In Australia, 16,000 people use Auslan at home – Australian Government 2021 National Census.

Visit the International Week of the Deaf website.

International Week of the Deaf

The International Week of the Deaf is celebrated annually in the last full week of September.

The International Week of the Deaf is a time of various activities by Deaf Communities all around the world. These activities and events welcome the participation of all members of deaf communities, which include families of deaf people, professional and accredited sign language interpreters, peers, as well as the involvement of various stakeholders such as national governments, national and international human rights organisations, and Organisations of Persons with Disabilities.

Visit the International Week of the Deaf website.