International Day of Sign Languages – September 23

With the aim of raising awareness about the importance of sign languages and promoting the rights of the deaf, the world celebrates the International Day of Sign Languages on September 23. This day highlights the strength of deaf communities, encourages the spread of sign language, and advocates for access to education and inclusion in times of crisis.

Sign Languages: Vital for Expression, Learning, and Inclusion

Sign languages are essential for self-expression, education, and inclusion, enabling millions of people to participate fully in society. Historically, sign language developed naturally from the need for visual communication, evolving from primitive gestures to the 18th century with the founding of schools for the deaf—such as Charles-Michel de l’Épée’s school in France—which laid the foundation for modern sign languages. Today, sign languages continue to evolve, with dictionaries and scientific documentation supporting their use.

The International Day of Sign Languages is an opportunity to shed light on deaf communities, who consider themselves a cultural and linguistic minority with their own identity—not simply people with a medical condition.

Celebrated annually on September 23, the day coincides with the International Week of the Deaf. The date was chosen thanks to the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), which was established on September 23, 1951.

The Importance of Sign Language

• A powerful bridge that breaks the barrier of isolation for the deaf and hard of hearing.

• Promotes inclusivity and equal opportunities in society.

• Enhances cognitive and learning skills for both deaf individuals and learners of sign language.

• Empowers deaf people across all areas of life.

• Facilitates active participation and communication in social and professional spaces.

• Improves media accessibility through sign language inclusion.

• Upholds a vital human right: “No Human Rights without Sign Language Rights.”

According to the WFD, there are about 72 million deaf people worldwide, using over 300 distinct sign languages. While these languages differ structurally, they deserve the same recognition as spoken languages. There is also an International Sign Language used in global meetings and events.

For 2025, both the International Week of the Deaf and the International Day of Sign Languages share the theme:

“No Human Rights without Sign Language Rights.”

This emphasizes that access to sign language is a fundamental human right, essential for education, healthcare, and full participation in society.

Inspiring Quotes on Sign Language

• “The eyes of man are the sign language of the brain. If you watch them carefully, you will see the truth.” – George Veditz

• “As long as we have deaf people on earth, we will have signs. And as long as we have our films, we can preserve our signs in their old purity.” – Camille Paglia

• “I hope we all cherish the beautiful sign language and preserve it as the greatest gift God gave the deaf.” – Tarryn Fisher

• “The sign comes from the symbolic view of things, where the gesture is the result of deep immersion in imagery.” – Robert A. M. Stern

• “I come from a place where one doesn’t need to talk all the time. There are sign languages to be learned.” – John Jay Chapman

• “Sign language is the bridge between the world of the deaf and the world of the hearing.” – George Veditz

• “The real beauty of sign language lies in its ability to convey emotions beyond words.” – Rob Lowe

• “Inclusion begins with understanding—and understanding begins with learning sign language.” – Jack Jason

• “Sign language is not just a form of communication; it is the language of the heart.”