The International Day of Sign Languages is observed globally on 23 September every year. This day is celebrated to raise awareness on sign languages and strengthen the status of sign languages. Also, the last full week of September is observed as International Week of the Deaf.
The theme for the 2020 International Day of Sign Languages is “Sign Languages are for Everyone!”
On Wednesday, September 23, the PDON commemorated the annual celebration of the International Day of Sign Languages. The day focuses on people who are deaf or hard of hearing and people with speech disorders, sign language is the way that enables them to communicate.
THIS YEAR’S COMMEMORATION OBJECTIVES OF THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SIGN LANGUAGES
‘Sign Languages are for Everyone’ observes the following collective goals of the IDSL:
- Reach out to and influence as many governments as possible to legally fulfil their obligations.
- Reflects the principles of the CRPD in its recognition of sign languages as equal to spoken languages. Sign languages are fully-fledged natural languages, structurally distinct from spoken languages, alongside which they coexist.
- Emphasises sign language as a critical prerequisite to the full realisation of human rights for deaf people. Early access to sign language and services in sign language, including quality education available in sign language, is vital to the growth and development of the deaf individual and critical to the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals.
- Stresses that when working with Deaf Communities, the principle of “nothing about us without us” must be considered and integrated.
KEY SPEAKERS OF THE EVENT
- PDON chairman Mr. Ali Abdi Adan has expressed his happiness about the day and how important it is for all, he talked about the and explained stages which shows that the Network has done, the chairman has asked the authorities who has come to listen the grievance-voices from those people who are shouting for their different supports, reminding the participants about the Article in the constitution which talks about their rights to be protected and supported constitutionally.
- Other Key Speakers of the event include:
- Chairman of the Puntland Office of the Human Rights Defender
- Members from the parliament.
- Sign Language Teachers
- Students with hearing impairments
Video Links:
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=341038480666310&id=105991660837661
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=341038480666310&id=105991660837661
