This year, that week falls on Sept. 20 – 29, 2019. During this week, organizations all over the world host events to promote positive aspects of deafness, encourage social inclusion, and raise awareness of those organizations that support the deaf. Here is what you need to know about Deaf Awareness Month 2019.
This week this year, though, marks something special in history. The United National General Assembly has adopted International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL). It will be recognized and celebrated each year on September 23rd starting this year (2019)! The purpose of IDSL is to promote sign language awareness and invigorate the status of sign languages.
The World Federation of the Deaf assigns a theme to IWDeaf each year. Last year, the theme was “With Sign Language, Everyone is Included”. This year’s theme will be “Sign Language Rights for All!” Also new this year is a sub-theme for each day of the week created by the WFD Board. With IDSL falling on the first day of the week, Monday, Sept. 23, the day with have the main theme of “Sign Language Rights for All!”. The dates and their respective themes are:
For more information on each individual day and their associated social media challenges, check out the World Federation of the Deaf official page.
In terms of what you can do to influence deaf awareness (don’t forget, this can be done beyond the month of September!), take a look at these suggestions:
You can also attend an event promoting deaf awareness. Here’s just a few that are being held in different parts of the US:
What are you doing to celebrate Deaf Awareness Month 2019 and/or Deaf Awareness Week?
“Deaf U” chronicles a group of Deaf and hard of hearing students at Gallaudet University as they navigate their daily lives while preparing for post-graduate life.
More companies are making clear masks for the deaf and hard of hearing community including actress Millcient Simmonds as she releases her Mille Smile Mask.