Greek Sign Language officially recognised as equal to Greek Language
On the 7th September, the bill of the Ministry of Labor, Social Security and Social Solidarity was passed by the Greek Government to incorporate provisions for the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities into official state law.
Although the announcement already marks a huge milestone for the equality of Greece’s citizens, for the deaf and hard of hearing community, it is without hyperbole to call it historic considering Article 65 (2) of the bill:
“Greek Sign Language is recognized as equal to the Greek language. The State is taking measures to promote it, and to meet all the communication needs of the deaf and hard of hearing citizens”
This recognition of Greece’s Sign Language is a great victory for the Greek Federation of the Deaf and the community it represents and paves the way for a fully accessible state.
A massive μπράβο (bravo) to the OMKE and the community in Greece for a fantastic achievement.
