International Day of Sign Languages

International Day of Sign Languages History

International Day of Sign Languages is an annual observance to raise awareness about the importance of sign languages in fostering an inclusive society for deaf individuals. This day highlights the need for sign languages to be promoted, preserved, and universally accessible to ensure that deaf people worldwide can exercise their human rights and achieve their full potential. The importance of sign languages extends beyond the deaf community, as they also benefit individuals with autism, those who have lost their hearing later in life, and even non-verbal individuals.

Although International Day of Sign Languages was officially declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2017, the British Deaf Association has a rich history dating back to 1890. In the United Kingdom, British Sign Language (BSL) is the most widely used, with an estimated 151,000 individuals relying on BSL as their primary means of communication. International Day of Sign Languages is a reminder for everyone in the UK to appreciate the importance of sign languages and support campaigns like the BSL Act, which aims to promote the recognition, use, and access to BSL across the country.

On the International Day of Sign Languages, numerous events and activities are organized in the United Kingdom to celebrate sign languages' linguistic and cultural significance. These events often include workshops, performances, panel discussions, and artistic exhibitions that showcase the heritage and contributions of the deaf community. The day is observed on 23rd September each year, allowing British society to unite to support sign languages, encourage further research and education, and champion increased accessibility for all.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 International Day of Sign Languages in the UK

• The 2026 observance of the International Day of Sign Languages focuses on the theme “Declaring Deaf People's Human Rights,” emphasizing the fundamental need to protect the linguistic and cultural identities of deaf individuals worldwide.
• Global advocacy efforts for the 2026 event encourage public landmarks, government buildings, and city halls to be illuminated in blue light, serving as a visual symbol of solidarity with deaf communities.
• British Sign Language (BSL) is a fully-fledged, natural language with its own unique grammatical structure, syntax, and vocabulary, distinct from spoken English.
• In the United Kingdom, approximately 151,000 people use BSL at home, with around 87,000 of those users being deaf.
• The date of this observance commemorates the 1951 founding of the World Federation of the Deaf, an organization dedicated to the preservation of sign languages and the promotion of deaf rights.
• Worldwide, there are an estimated 72 million deaf people who collectively use more than 300 different national sign languages to communicate.
• Sign languages utilize a sophisticated combination of hand shapes, palm orientation, location, movement, and essential non-manual markers like facial expressions to convey meaning.
• The United Nations highlights that early access to sign language and inclusive quality education are critical requirements for the development and human rights of deaf individuals.
• International Sign (often referred to as an international pidgin) serves as a supplementary, simplified mode of communication used by deaf people during international meetings, travel, and social gatherings.
• * Beyond just a physical gesture, BSL is increasingly recognized as a vital component of cultural identity, with ongoing efforts to integrate it into broader society to break down communication barriers.

In the News and Trending in the UK for International Day of Sign Languages

Top things to do in the UK for this observance

• Look for local deaf organizations or charities that require volunteers. Volunteering can provide hands-on experience, opportunities for real-life interactions with BSL users, and a chance to practice and refine your sign language skills.
• Access online BSL dictionaries to expand your vocabulary. Websites like BSL Signbank or Spread the Sign provide extensive databases of signs, their meanings, and usage examples.