Category Archives: International Week of Deaf People

Let’s proactively shape our future; together, we can innovate, inspire, and make an impact!

Deaf communities are not just local; they are global. Our diverse intersectional communities, found in every country on Earth, are united in our innovation. We have multiple opportunities to impact technological change,  and our future begins with our knowledge, drawn from diverse communities working together to shape the future we want. Together, we will innovate, inspire and create a world where D/deaf people everywhere can sign anywhere!

Extract from the World of Deaf people and amended by Jean.

Millions of D/deaf people, D/deaf with disabilities, Hard of Hearing Seniors and families of D/deaf children continue to raise awareness about us, our culture and sign languages around the world. We repeat the popular title – ‘Nothing about Us without Us’ and strive to blend the rest of you as equals by removing ableism. Your voice, your experiences, and your contributions are integral to our community.

We know our D/deaf children, D/deaf with disabilities children, are developing valuable skills and living experiences by producing improved and advanced technology and preserving our taonga (treasures) of sign language alive for the future.

Recently, the World Federation of the Deaf celebrated a new milestone in acknowledging our culture and sign language, approving the design of the Deaf flag—the Deaf flag, designed by a Deafblind (Usher Syndrome) man, Arnaud Balard, along with many other D/deaf people’s designed Deaf flags from other countries in 2023-2024. Actually, he designed the flag and French les personnes sourdes (D/deaf people) between 2013 and 2015. More information about Arnaud here. https://surdistsunited.com/sign-union-flag-by-a-balard/

As a deaf linguist, I recently came across a post on my personal Facebook page via the Deaf History group that I thought would be insightful for you. Our sign language, a living and evolving part of our culture, has undergone some minor changes in its communication. Let’s examine the sign ‘name’ from British Sign Language (BSL), dating back to the 1890s. The sign for ‘Name’ is derived from the baptism method in the Church of England. This sign originated in London and the South East of England, as noted in an article by Peter R. Brown. In New Zealand and Australia, we sign our name the same as in England today. This sign ‘name’ continues today from the 1890s and will continue, showing that our culture and language are not static, but living and evolving traditions.  

Today’s and future technologies, such as AI and Google Gemini, may lead to a lack of accurate sign language representation; therefore, these technologies need to support more than 200 sign languages worldwide, not just one, such as American Sign Language (ASL). Overall, we need to teach technicians, designers, and graphics teams our sign languages so that they can create friendly sign languages for everyone in the world. For example, consider our New Zealand company, Kara Technologies Ltd., which is linked to another country, the USA.

https://www.kara.tech/

Kara Technologies pioneering inclusive emergency Sign Language success for the Deaf

Sign Language Access Service

Deaf individuals are empowered to choose their language access services, whether it is national sign language or International Sign, based on their personal preferences and needs. It is the responsibility of states and event organisers to engage in early consultation with D/deaf participants, ensuring adequate funding for professional sign language interpreters and associated costs. This early consultation is a key step in providing effective and inclusive participation. This message is an extract from the World Federation of the Deaf and amended by Jean.

The Sign Language Interpreter Access Service is not just a tool, but an indispensable one for many D/deaf individuals and those with disabilities. Its role extends to various settings, including job interviews, classrooms, public events, courts, consultations with GPs, Health Specialists, Police, and many Government agencies, as well as in community interactions with family and friends. Its versatility, spanning from professional to personal settings, makes it a crucial service in ensuring effective communication and participation.

Mm, what about performance theatre, music concerts and other types of entertainment events?  

I have used the interpreter through Waikato Hospital, Public and Government Agency meetings, Job training, Health and Safety meetings, and other meetings for many years. Did I pay for the interpreter service? The question is no, and I received Job Training funding from Te Manatū Whakahiato Ora each year toward the Interpreter cost. At the same time, ISigns uses funding by MOH (Ministry of Health)-Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand), MSD (Ministry of Social Development)-Te Manatū Whakahiato Ora.

All Government agencies, Health Sectors and agencies, Education Sectors and Agencies are responsible for making the interpreting service booking when they are meeting with any D/deaf people, D/deaf with disabilities and Hard of Hearing seniors through appointments/consultations. This message ensures that the necessary arrangements are in place for effective communication. Outside the Government Agencies, for example, the church service, such as a funeral or a wedding, will be arranged by a family member of the D/deaf person, and the Interpreter Service book teams will advise you to pay the cost yourself, ensuring everyone is aware of their rights and responsibilities.

If you are uncertain about how to make Interpreter Service bookings, you can refer to the websites and follow their instructions, as well as the reasonable cost of affordability. There are many ways to have a Sign Language Interpreter present, whether in person or remotely, in the same room. Today, amazing technologies are available. If your local area has no interpreter available, consider using an online interpreter service, such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Callsign-Wordsworth Interpreter Service (NZ, based in Waikato), over Wi-Fi or mobile data. These platforms offer video conferencing features that allow for real-time interpretation. You can also use mobile apps like ISigns, which provide on-demand interpretation services.

tips – https://youtu.be/cfIc8sgqkbA?si=nXDM9MVnJW60UER3

https://healthify.nz/hauora-wellbeing/n/nz-sign-language

https://www.justice.govt.nz/courts/going-to-court/pre/interpreters-language-and-disability-access/

Recognition of National Sign Language

Legal recognition of national sign languages is not only necessary but essential to upholding the rights of D/deaf people. It’s a right enshrined in Article 21 of the UNCRPD, which mandates that governments must officially recognise the national sign language.

It’s the unequivocal responsibility of governments to secure the right to sign languages. By complying with Article 21 of the UN CRPD and legally recognising their national sign languages, governments can ensure the active participation of D/deaf individuals in all aspects of society. Extract from World Federation of the Deaf and wording amended by Jean.

Out of 195 countries, only 81 have achieved Sign Language Legislation and officially recognise their sign language (41.5% of countries). New Zealand, a beacon of progress, recognised our significance and passed the third reading of the bills at the Parliament through the New Zealand Language Act in 2006, setting an inspiring example for the rest of the world. However, it’s concerning that 58.5% of countries do not recognise their national sign language (114 out of 195).

Empower yourself by checking out which countries have officially recognised sign language in this link. Your knowledge and awareness are not just passive contributions, but active steps towards the global movement for the recognition of sign language. Your involvement matters.

Consider this: there are over three hundred different sign languages in use worldwide, with more than seventy million D/deaf individuals and those with disabilities. These staggering numbers, reported by the United Nations, underscore the profound global impact of sign language recognition, making it a cause that transcends borders and affects millions.

Imagine a classroom where several D/deaf children are learning and communicating in sign language, just like other children in an ordinary school, like you.

How about in Australia, where many D/deaf Indigenous people perform dancing?

We know there are more D/deaf people, D/deaf with disabilities and Hard of Hearing Seniors living in countries where their countries have not acknowledged the sign language and the culture. It is vital to address the Government about their sign language, culture, and the need to be inclusive in the communities. Inclusivity is not just a buzzword, but a fundamental human right.

Multilingual Educators for Deaf Learners

The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), a leading global organisation dedicated to championing the rights of deaf individuals, is a staunch advocate for the implementation of Article 24 of the CRPD. This pivotal Article mandates that deaf learners should be educated in environments that are both linguistically and culturally appropriate, such as quality inclusive multilingual settings alongside other deaf peers. The WFD, with its extensive experience and expertise in deaf education, is a key player in promoting these inclusive policies. This is an excerpt from the WFD’s official website.

Mm,

When we examine the Education Sectors around the world, we see a clear need for every school, college, Polytechnic, and University to include sign language in their curriculum. This action is not just about allowing students to choose their language subject in the classroom or lecture. It’s about creating a multilingual and culturally appropriate environment that benefits all students. Sign language, as a tool for inclusion and equality, has the potential to foster a sense of belonging among all students, offering an optimistic future.

However, the stark reality is that a single Deaf child in a mainstream school often finds themselves isolated and unable to communicate in sign language. In contrast, other children converse freely in the classroom and on the playground. This method is a clear indication of the scarcity of resources in our education system. The chronic lack of funding for teacher aides with sign language skills, school equipment like Zoom, and limited hours, for instance, only two days a week with a teacher aide, is not just a call to action, but an urgent one. We must address these resource gaps immediately to ensure a truly inclusive education system.

For example, the Hamilton Deaf Units were linked to Kelston School for the Deaf (later renamed Kelston Deaf Education Centre in Auckland). The first Deaf Education was established at the Sumner School for the Deaf, Christchurch; however, it was strictly taught in the oral method, according to the Ministry of Education and the result of the ban on sign language banned by the Milan Congress (1880), a significant event in the history of deaf education that led to the suppression of sign language and the promotion of oralism, stressing the importance of understanding the past for a better future.  

The Education Policies in the countries are often ambiguous and lack clear guidelines when it comes to Teachers of D/deaf children and D/deaf children with disabilities, university-qualified teacher aides for D/deaf children and D/deaf children with disabilities, funding allocation each year, and the role/skills of professional interpreters through activities and recreation. This lack of clarity and comprehensiveness in the policies is a significant barrier to the practical education of deaf learners.

Have you heard about language deprivation before going to school lately? Did you know that any D/deaf baby can pick up sign language/pictures quickly than spoken language from 12 weeks old? The answer is Yes. It is crucial to begin teaching sign language at an early stage, coinciding with the baby’s cognitive development, as it serves as a visual aid for individuals with word blindness. In this condition, a person has difficulty understanding written or spoken words. Sign language can provide a visual representation of language, making it more accessible for individuals with this condition.

The Deaf child/ren will have the choice to use both sign language and spoken language when they are older and blend into the Deaf community as part of D/deaf culture.

Every Ministry of Education should follow Article 24 of the CRPD, United Nations Convention on the Human Rights of People with Disabilities, clearly, not under their own Member of Parliament and staff.

Tuesday 23rd October 2025

No Human Rights without Sign Language Rights

All people have an inherent right to human rights from birth. For deaf people, sign language rights are not just a means of communication, but a source of empowerment, enabling them to enjoy their human rights fully. This empowerment is a testament to the resilience and strength of the deaf community. As we examine the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we recognise the significant progress made and the challenges that remain in ensuring equality for all. We acknowledge that our achievements are leading us towards our goal: a world where deaf people everywhere can sign anywhere. It’s our collective responsibility to ensure this equality in sign language rights. Extract from the World Federation of the Deaf, with wordings amended by a deaf author/blogger.

It’s crucial to understand how vital it is for many D/deaf people, D/deaf with disabilities and Neurodiverse (non-verbal) people to communicate in sign language as their first language from birth/ medical illness or accidents. Respect for our communication choices is not just a matter of courtesy, but a demonstration of empathy and understanding. Do not expect us to speak like you in the communities as ablesim because it is your choice and takes our choice away. You can learn our sign language as a second language or more.

One day, I was teaching a small group of seniors from 82 years old to 104 years old in a rest home, Waikato, with no charge for the class, only to cover the small gift token of a gift card to cover the petrol mileage due to their limited Health funding by the Health Board in New Zealand. One of the seniors mentioned that he saw a few Deaf people signing in the cafe and thought it was terrific; however, he wished to understand their sign language for conversation. He had no idea what they were signing about. The seniors have their hearing loss – Hard of Hearing and find it frustrating to communicate with their loved ones, hate being isolated, and being left out of the activities groups. They want to be included in the same rooms as their community resthome. They do have other health illnesses like Parkinson’s Disease, stroke and mobility difficulties in walking.

It is critical to include sign language in Education, the Health Sector, Government Agencies, Police and Fire Services, Social Services, Civic defence, Social Media, Media, technologies like AI, mobile devices, and many other agencies and communities. The importance of sign language in these sectors cannot be overstated. Its integration is not a luxury, but a necessity for the full inclusion and safety of the deaf community. Do not expect to remove our sign language video/post if there is a financial problem with funding from the Government or businesses – there is no excuse for not putting sign language for us. You are placing our lives at risk from environmental dangers, making us isolated from the community, keep ringing our mobile until we may receive emails/letters from you and making us feel frustrated if we do not understand you because you refuse to write down on a piece of paper, or we may not fully understand the English language.

Perhaps watch the video by Marlee Matlin, featuring her tips for Police Officers and the Deaf/Hard of Hearing community in the USA. It is about teaching Police Officers ASL sign language for the American Deaf people through training courses. Note that Marlee is signing in ASL (American Sign Language), which differs from our NZSL (New Zealand Sign Language).

It’s important to note that sign languages, like spoken languages, are diverse and unique to each culture. There is no universal sign language, and around the world, many different sign languages are used, each with its own grammar and vocabulary.

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Welcome to the International Week of Deaf People 2025, a significant event that plays a crucial role in advancing the rights of the deaf community.

Celebrating Identity, Cultures and Rights!

The Theme is about ‘No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights!’

22nd to 28th Septmeber 2025

Monday 22nd September 2025

Deaf Communities Leading

“Deaf-led alliances, in collaboration with governments and other organisations, play a vital role in advancing sign language rights. Following the motto’ nothing about us without us’, actual progress comes from partnerships where deaf people lead and others support them as committed allies.” World Federation of the Deaf

D/deaf people and D/deaf with disabilities people play critical roles as leaders, advocates, campaigners, and supporters. They want everyone in the communities, such as Education, Health Sector, Police, Public Services, and Government agencies, to learn about our sign language rights as a form of equality for them. It is about removing ableism to un-ableist communities and allowing us to communicate with them without problems. It is vital to work as team players, a support group and teambuilding.

Without sign language, we will be lost and stuck in a hole without any communication method during the Civil Disaster crises, evacuation, and become more isolated in the communities anywhere in the world. Sign language is a language, not a spoken language, where we can not hear, even the neurodiverse people/children, who are unable to communicate, and they do speak in sign language, improving their self-esteem, and gaining more confidence to communicate with their families, work colleagues/staff, and friends.

Let’s look at who were the popular D/deaf or D/deaf with disabilities people who led the recognition of our sign language in the country or in the world?

Helen Keller – Deafblind

Kitty O’Neil – D/deaf (Quote: in her words, “Deaf people can do anything. Never give up. When I was 18, I was told I couldn’t get a job because I was deaf. But I said, someday I’m going to be famous in sports, to show them I can do anything.”)

Haben Girma – Deafblind https://youtu.be/I180MrmwKeE?si=I0n5bqZPUDA1WfdD

Vint Cerf – deaf-Hard of Hering (Widely known as one of the “Fathers of the Internet,” Cerf is the co-designer of the TCP/IP protocols and the architecture of the Internet) https://youtube.com/shorts/XXoJMAJfbPs?si=FyPjtVSSxRlKTrgt

Claudia L. Gordon – Deaf https://youtu.be/VaGSspTZY90?si=gHtAodoL0fB6GkuG

Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes – better known as Fransisco Goya – deaf with mental illness

Marlee Matlin – Deaf

Laurent Clerc – Deaf