Deaf Month, Deaf Pride: Celebrating Sign Language and Our History

Why this week exists

Every year, the last full week of September marks the International Week of the Deaf (IWDeaf), a global celebration of Deaf culture, history, and human rights. Since its formal recognition in 2009, IWDeaf has become a powerful platform for the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), its national associations, and allies to raise awareness about the importance of sign languages and the accomplishments of Deaf communities worldwide.

Aligned with the United Nations’ International Day of Sign Languages, first celebrated in 2018, this week emphasizes that sign languages are full, vibrant, and essential languages, used by over 70 million Deaf people across the globe. It is a time to highlight Deaf pride, advocate for equal rights, and showcase the cultural richness and solidarity of the Deaf community.

Events range from performances, seminars, exhibitions, and festivals to local and international initiatives, all united under the same theme: “Human Rights through Sign Languages.”

A historic turning point: Deaf President Now

In 1988, Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., became the stage for a decisive moment: Deaf President Now. For eight days, Deaf students occupied the campus to demand the appointment of a Deaf president.

Their mobilization succeeded: I. King Jordan became the first Deaf president of Gallaudet.

This event marked a global turning point, proving that the Deaf community could unite, speak out, and claim its rightful place. It remains today a powerful symbol of dignity and recognition.

A world in motion

Since that turning point, progress has multiplied:

• In South Africa, sign language became the 12th official language in 2023.

• In the United Kingdom, the British Sign Language Act of 2022 officially recognized BSL.

• In Japan, the Basic Act for Persons with Disabilities includes Japanese Sign Language.

• In Kenya, the Constitution recognizes Kenyan Sign Language as a national language.

These examples show that legal recognition is advancing across the world.

Cultural visibility has also grown:

• The documentary Deaf President Now! (2025) revisits the Gallaudet movement and inspires a new generation.

• The film CODA (2021) won the Oscar for Best Picture, with Deaf actor Troy Kotsur becoming the first Deaf man to win an acting Oscar.

  These works prove that sign language is not only a tool of communication, but also a language of art, storytelling, and pride.

Growing accessibility in public life

Beyond laws and media, sign language is becoming increasingly visible in public spaces and major events.

• At the Olympic and Paralympic Games, accessibility has reached new levels. For the first time, a Deaf performer, Shaheem Sanchez, brought dance in American Sign Language (ASL) to the global stage — a powerful symbol that Deaf culture belongs at the heart of international events.

• More and more public institutions — from government briefings to city councils — provide live sign language interpretation, ensuring that Deaf citizens can follow information in real time.

• In museums, conferences, and festivals, sign language visibility is expanding through guided tours, panels, and performances directly accessible to Deaf audiences.

These examples prove that accessibility in sign language is no longer an exception, but a growing standard — a recognition that true inclusion cannot exist without linguistic equality.

Why it’s crucial

Despite progress, 100% of Deaf people still face communication barriers in daily life .

Sign languages are still too often marginalized in education, healthcare, justice, or media.

Promoting sign languages means:

• a fundamental human right,

• a tool of inclusion and equality,

• a key to children’s development and well-being,

• and a way to strengthen solidarity between Deaf and hearing communities.

The role of spokhand

At spokhand, we want to turn this pride into concrete action.

Our mission is to build the world’s largest sign language database, ensuring that this linguistic wealth is fully integrated into the technologies of tomorrow: AI, education, the metaverse, chatbots, and public services .

We don’t just observe the Deaf community: we are the Deaf community.

A flag, an identity, a pride

The Deaf community has its own official flag, a symbol of unity, diversity, and dignity.

It reminds the world that being Deaf is not a deficiency to be erased, but a living, unique culture, with its own language, stories, and struggles.

A week of rallies and gatherings

The International Week of the Deaf is not only celebrated online or in institutions — it is also lived in the streets.

Across the world, Deaf communities organize marches, rallies, and public gatherings to highlight their demands: full recognition of sign languages, equal access to education, healthcare, and employment, and the end of systemic discrimination.

These demonstrations are also places of encounter and solidarity. They bring together Deaf people, allies, interpreters, and families, creating spaces where Deaf culture is proudly shared with the wider public.

For many participants, these annual gatherings are moments of unity, empowerment, and visibility — a reminder that the struggle is collective, and the pride is global.

Conclusion

The International Week of the Deaf is more than a commemoration: it’s a call to action.

Being proud to be Deaf means embracing a language, an identity, and a culture — and reminding society that inclusion starts with the full recognition of sign languages.

At spokhand, we are proud to stand with the Deaf community and to help write the history of tomorrow.