The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) was established in 1951 in Rome, Italy. This international organisation declared Sunday in the last week of September as the International Day of the Deaf. Now, the day has been extended to a week, and is now called the International Week of the Deaf. The week is celebrated during the last week of September.
WFD works very closely with the United Nations to help preserve rights of the deaf community.
Importance and significance of the week
The International Week of the Deaf tries to increase awareness about the deaf community, their challenges and their culture. It helps motivating the community to learn the sign language, come forward with their grievances, promote their human rights and also bring about positive changes in policy. These changes can help make the lives of countless individuals much easier.
How is International Week of the Deaf celebrated
Celebration of the week includes many activities, such as various marches, campaigns, exhibitions, talks and meetings. The week includes talking to various stakeholders, such as the government, families, sign language interpreters and various organisations who strive toward working for the community.
There are many organisations in India as well, which are working towards making the lives of those who are devoid or hard of hearing better. Such organisations include The National Association of the Deaf, Sounds of Silence, and the Deaf Enabled Foundation.
Campaigns try to promote various messages across. These include awareness about the various degrees of deafness, recognizing the achievements of those devoid of hearing, promoting sign language, and letting people know that deaf people are equally capable and able as other individuals. They celebrate the uniqueness and the culture of deaf people worldwide, while shining light on countries’ obligations towards these individuals, and abiding by the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities by the United Nations.
