International Day of Sign Languages
International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL) takes place on September 23rd, during the International Week of the Deaf. The United Nations (UN) General Assembly established the observance in 2017, choosing the date to honor the founding of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) on September 23rd, 1951.
The day highlights the core principle that there are no human rights without sign language rights. Sign languages are essential for Deaf people to fully access education, information, public services, and civic participation. The UN emphasizes that sign languages hold equal status to spoken languages and must be protected as part of global linguistic and cultural variety. The observance aligns closely with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which calls on nations to promote and facilitate the learning and use of sign languages. Ensuring sign language access is not simply a matter of belonging; it is a matter of justice.
More than 70 million Deaf people worldwide use over 300 distinct sign languages, with the majority living in developing countries. These languages are structurally unique and fully fledged, with their own grammar, syntax, and expressive richness. Contrary to common misconceptions, sign languages are not universal; for example, American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL) are entirely different languages with separate histories and structures.
Each year, the day is celebrated with a theme that reflects ongoing advocacy priorities. Recent themes have emphasized universal access, linguistic rights, and the importance of environments where Deaf people can sign freely and confidently. These themes encourage governments, institutions, and communities to strengthen policies that support sign language education, interpretation services, and public awareness.
Celebrations in Kansas and around the world take many forms. Deaf organizations often lead community events that showcase Deaf culture, including performances, storytelling, and demonstrations of various sign languages. Schools and universities host educational workshops that introduce students and educators to the linguistic structure of sign languages and the experiences of Deaf individuals. Public awareness campaigns take place both in person and online and highlight the importance of sign language rights and encourage people to learn basic signs as a gesture of solidarity. To learn more and access resources, visit the United Nations and US Department of State’s webpages about International Day of Sign Language.
Accessibility is a central pillar of the International Day of Sign Languages. Ensuring that Deaf people can fully participate in society requires concrete commitments to accessible communication. This can include expanding sign language interpretation in public services, guaranteeing captioning across digital and broadcast media, improving access to qualified interpreters in healthcare and legal settings, and supporting early sign language education for Deaf children. When institutions prioritize accessibility, they affirm that communication is a human right, not a privilege, and they help build a world where Deaf people can engage, contribute, and thrive without barriers.
At the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX (OCRTIX), we believe that when people feel a true sense of belonging, they are better able to reach their full potential and succeed. We are committed to uplifting each Jayhawk by fostering a culture where each person is seen, heard, and valued. Honoring a variety of identities, cultures, and observances allows us to make the University of Kansas a safe and welcoming place for everyone.