(Summary at the bottom)

The International Day of the Deaf, often called World Deaf Day, is observed on the last Sunday of September. This year that is September 27th. It is the high point of the International Week of the Deaf, which was first held in 1958 by the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD). The week celebrates Deaf culture, sign languages and Deaf communities around the world. It also raises awareness of the barriers deaf people face every day. It is closely tied to the International Day of Sign Languages, recognized by the UN and observed on September 23rd. That date marks the founding of the WFD in 1951.

Deaf, deaf and hard of hearing
There are around 70 million deaf people worldwide, and most of them live in developing countries. Within the community, you'll often see a difference between "deaf" and "Deaf":

• deaf (lowercase) usually refers to the audiological condition of not hearing.
• Deaf (capital D) refers to people who identify as part of Deaf culture, a community with its own language, history, values and traditions.

"Hard of hearing" is usually used for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. As always, the best term is the one the person uses for themselves.

Sign languages
There are more than 300 sign languages in the world, such as ASL (American Sign Language), BSL (British Sign Language) and DGS (German Sign Language). Sign languages are complete, natural languages with their own grammar, vocabulary and regional dialects. They use handshapes, movement, facial expressions and body language. They aren't a signed version of the spoken language around them, and they aren't universal. ASL and BSL, for example, are very different from each other, even though both countries speak English.

One well-known part of Deaf culture is visual applause. Instead of clapping, you raise both hands and wave or twist them, so that everyone can see the applause.

Misconceptions, discrimination and barriers

• Not all deaf people use sign language, and not all can lip-read. Even skilled lip-readers can only catch part of what's said, because many sounds look the same on the lips.
• Hearing aids and cochlear implants don't "restore" hearing. They are tools that work differently for everyone, and not every deaf person wants or benefits from them.
• Terms like "deaf and dumb" or "deaf-mute" are outdated and offensive. Many deaf people can use their voice, and being deaf has nothing to do with intelligence.
• Many Deaf people don't see deafness as something that needs to be "fixed." They see it as a cultural and linguistic identity. Treating hearing as the "correct" way to be is called audism.
• Around 90% of deaf children are born to hearing parents. Without early access to sign language, many grow up with language deprivation. This affects their education, their mental health and their ability to connect with others.
• Everyday barriers include missing captions, no interpreters at events or appointments, and information that is only available by phone or audio. This shuts deaf people out of healthcare, work, education and social life.
  
  
  
  

How to be a better ally

• Face the person when you speak. Don't cover your mouth, and don't shout.
• To get someone's attention, wave or tap them lightly on the shoulder.
• When there's an interpreter, speak to the deaf person, not the interpreter.
• Caption your videos and posts, and ask about access needs when planning events.
• Learn a few basics of your local sign language. Even the fingerspelled alphabet is a great start!
  
  
  
  
  
• Summary
   The International Day of the Deaf is observed on the last Sunday of September (this year: September 27th), as part of the International Week of the Deaf
• There are around 70 million deaf people and more than 300 sign languages worldwide
• Sign languages are complete, natural languages. They are not universal and not a signed version of spoken languages
• Common misconceptions: all deaf people sign or lip-read, hearing aids "fix" deafness, and deafness means something about intelligence
• Lack of access to sign language, captions and interpreters has real consequences for education, health and inclusion
  
  
  

With love,
The Inclusivity Group