⇒ International Day of Sign Languages is celebrated every year on 23 September.
The Sign Language Day is a unique opportunity to support and protect the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of all deaf people and other sign language users.
Theme:
The theme of International Day of Sign Languages 2021 is ‘We Sign For Human Rights’. It was declared by the World Federation of the Deaf.
The theme, highlighting how each of us – deaf and hearing people around the world – can work together hand in hand to promote the recognition of our right to use sign languages in all areas of life.
History:
The UN General Assembly has proclaimed 23 September as the International Day of Sign Languages in order to raise awareness of the importance of sign language in the full realization of the human rights of people who are deaf.
International Day of Sign Languages was first celebrated in the year 2018 as part of the International Week of the Deaf.
Celebrations in India:
Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC), New Delhi, an autonomous body under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment celebrated ‘Sign Language Day’ in New Delhi.
During the programme, the Centre presented a documentary on ‘Indian Sign Language Journey’. Winners of 4th Indian Sign Language Competition, 2021, a national level competition held for students with hearing disabilities, were announced.