New York, NY — A historic milestone for the international Deaf community was reached recently when a prominent Deaf advocate took to the stage at the UN headquarters to emphasize the critical importance of sign language in promoting equality, accessibility, and inclusiveness. It marked the first official commemoration by the United Nations on International Day of Sign Languages in recognition of the impact it has among millions around the globe.
The key speaker, who has advocated across continents, gave an electrifying speech that outlined the problem for Deaf people today to have fundamental access to resources, education, and employment opportunities. An advocate chose to highlight misunderstandings most societies hold on sign language, which is the primary instrument of communication for most of the Deaf people, and it faces a redundant or ignored place in policy. Sign language is more than an instrument of communication-it’s a lifeline, a way of reaching into the world, connecting with others, and actually giving expression to one’s full identity,” said an advocate passionately.
There was an open call for two pressing needs during the gathering organized in partnership with several international organizations committed to working with the Deaf community: better investment in sign language interpreter work and more accessible features on virtual meeting sites. This issue has become pressing of late because institutions have begun making a quick shift toward virtual meetings, which typically lack accessible features. Support services are generally available in most regions, but it seems that resources for real-time interpretation are scarce in general, particularly within public institutions and necessary services as found with healthcare and social service lawyers.
A range of sign languages that are globally accepted was presented to the UN representatives and honored guests during the event. Demonstrations and interactive sessions helped in bringing about the understanding that just like any other spoken language, every country has its sign language with its grammar, syntax, and cultural connotations. “Sign languages are linguistically rich and diverse, just like any other spoken language,” said one of the advocates. “They are very deeply rooted in the culture of each Deaf community, and they deserve equal respect and preservation.”
The day ends with a call to action: calls to governments and institutions across the world to make sign language education part of school curricula as well as part of workplace environments. As the activist observed, the fact that educating in sign language builds the bridges between and provides inclusivity for both deaf and hearing populations.
This became one momentous occasion in the quest for greater accessibility and equality that fit into the larger UN goals of inclusivity as espoused in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. For the first time ever, this recognition by the UN for the International Day of Sign Languages set precedence: organizations all over the world begin to give attention to why it is essential to make a society where people who are deaf are empowered and respected.
