World Alzheimer’s Month: Deaf carers share their experiences in BSL
Explore six BSL videos featuring Deaf carers sharing their experiences of supporting loved ones living with dementia.
14 September 2026
21–27 September 2026
International Week of Deaf People
A global celebration of Deaf identity, culture and human rights.
2026 theme Declaring Deaf People’s Human Rights
2026 campaign
Celebrating Identity, Culture, and Rights!
21–27 September 2026About the week
What is International Week of Deaf People?
International Week of Deaf People (IWDP) is a global, Deaf-led celebration coordinated by the World Federation of the Deaf. Since it began in 1958, communities around the world have used the week to promote Deaf people’s human rights, national sign languages, culture and achievements.
In 2026, IWDP takes place from 21 to 27 September. International Day of Sign Languages is marked on Wednesday 23 September.
The 2026 theme
Declaring Deaf People’s Human Rights
This year’s campaign calls on governments, organisations and communities to move beyond recognition and make Deaf people’s rights real in everyday life. That means respecting national sign languages, removing barriers and including Deaf people in the decisions that affect them.
75years of WFD
20years of the CRPD
23September: International Day of Sign Languages
21–27 September 2026
Seven days. Seven calls to action.
Each day of IWDP 2026 focuses attention on a different part of Deaf people’s human rights.
20 Years of the CRPD and National Sign Languages
Twenty years after the CRPD was adopted, the focus is on recognising national sign languages as full and equal languages, and turning recognition into action.
The Right to a Quality Multilingual Inclusive Education
Deaf learners need high-quality education through national sign languages, alongside inclusive multilingual learning led by Deaf people.
Declaring Deaf People’s Human Rights
On International Day of Sign Languages, the focus is on making Deaf people’s human rights real through recognition, commitment and practical action.
No Access Without National Sign Language
Public information and services are not truly accessible to Deaf people without national sign language provision.
Nothing About Us Without Us
Deaf people and Deaf-led organisations must be included in decisions, policies and services that affect their lives.
Deaf Culture Is a Human Right
Deaf culture, identity and national sign languages are part of human diversity and are protected by human rights.
75 Years of Human Rights
WFD’s 75th anniversary recognises decades of Deaf-led action while reaffirming that Deaf people’s rights are human rights.
Make it visible
Take part in IWDP
Small, visible actions can start conversations and help national sign languages reach wider audiences.
Shine a Blue Light on Sign Languages
Light a landmark, building or window blue to show support for national sign languages.
Find out how (opens in a new tab)Join the Global Leaders Challenge
Ask leaders to publicly commit to Deaf people’s rights and national sign languages.
Explore the challenge (opens in a new tab)Raise the Deaf Flag
Use the Deaf flag to celebrate Deaf identity, culture, unity and pride.
Learn about the flag (opens in a new tab)Global movement, UK voice
BDA and the World Federation of the Deaf
The World Federation of the Deaf is a global, Deaf-led organisation representing national associations of Deaf people and advancing sign language and human rights.
The British Deaf Association is the United Kingdom’s Ordinary Member of the WFD. We bring the experiences and priorities of Deaf BSL and ISL users in the UK into this global movement.
Beyond the week
Keep standing with Deaf people
IWDP lasts one week. The work to secure sign language rights and equality continues throughout the year.