World Deaf Day is celebrated every last Sunday of September, falling on September 26 this year. It is a holiday that recognizes the rights of deaf people all around the world and calls on different organizations to help uphold these rights. On World Day of The Deaf, awareness is raised about the challenges of deaf people. It also highlights the importance of sign language, not only for deaf people but for all persons.
History of World Deaf Day
World Deaf Day was initiated in 1958 by the World Federation of the Deaf. The holiday falls on the Sunday of the International Week of the Deaf and International Day of Sign Languages (introduced later on), which is the last week in the month of September. World Day of The Deaf is a holiday that calls for the attention of governments, non-governmental organizations, philanthropists, and the general society, to support the community of deaf people.
The holiday features the achievements of deaf people all around the world. It helps many people to understand the remarkable works of people who are deaf. It also creates awareness about the challenges faced by deaf people and highlights the importance of sign language for the general public. World Day of The Deaf is recognized every last Sunday of September in order to help deaf people and their communities find a safe space in society at large.
Through this initiative, many people have become interested in helping deaf people fit into society better. Also, the holiday helps to create awareness about hearing loss. It has been found that many people are at risk of avoidable, permanent hearing loss. Organizations like the World Health Organization and United Nations are very much concerned about the issue of deafness, and they have given their support to the World Federation of the Deaf. However, during this holiday, people are encouraged to support those suffering from hearing loss. It is also a day to help create awareness concerning some dangerous habits that can easily lead to hearing loss.
World Deaf Day timeline
The first World Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf takes place in Rome, Italy.
The World Federation of the Deaf initiates the holiday to celebrate deaf people.
The World Federation of the Deaf is recognized by the United Nations and World Health Organization.
International Day of Sign Languages is marked during the last week in September, along with World Day of The Deaf.
World Deaf Day FAQs
Who started World Deaf Day?
World Day of The Deaf was initiated by the World Federation of the Deaf in 1958.
Why is World Deaf Day important?
It helps to create awareness about deafness and also celebrate the achievements of deaf people.
Can I learn sign language?
Yes, you can learn sign language even if you’re not deaf.
How to Observe World Deaf Day
Promote the rights of deaf people
Deaf people have special rights that help them cope better in society. We can help uphold these rights.
Learn sign language
Sign language is a language like all others. It is interesting to learn, and also helpful in communicating with deaf people.
Support organizations that help deaf people
Give to charities that help create more opportunities for deaf people. Also, reach out to deaf people and help them in any way you can.
5 Facts About Hearing Loss
Many people have hearing loss
More than 460 million people suffer from hearing loss and this number accounts for about 5% of the world population.
Noise is the leading cause of hearing loss
Continuous exposure to loud noise usually causes hearing loss.
Many famous people live with hearing loss
There are several famous individuals (both living and dead) who suffer or have suffered from hearing loss.
Many people are exposed to noise
More than 30 million Americans are exposed to loud noise every day.
There's a risk of hearing loss
According to the World Health Organization, over a billion people are at risk of permanent hearing loss.
Why World Deaf Day is Important
We learn more about deafness
On this special holiday, we get to know more about deafness. We learn about hearing loss, and how to cope with deafness.
The holiday celebrates great achievements
Deaf people are responsible for many remarkable feats. They deserve a day to be celebrated.
Learning sign languages
On World Day of The Deaf, we get to see more tips about sign language and how to use it. There is a universal sign language that you can easily pick up.
World Deaf Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | September 25 | Sunday |
| 2023 | September 24 | Sunday |
| 2024 | September 29 | Sunday |
| 2025 | September 28 | Sunday |
| 2026 | September 27 | Sunday |
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