The International Day of Sign Languages is a tribute to the millions of deaf people all over the world. According to the World Federation of the Deaf or WFD, there are 70 million of them and 80 percent of which are living in developing countries. Overall, the deaf population is said to be capable of using around 300 various sign languages. 

Sign languages are now as significant as spoken languages. Among them is an international sign language used for meetings and socializing. It is, to use an analogy, what English is to spoken language. 

The special event is in line with the observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Since sign languages are the most commonly used method of communication for deaf people, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities promoted its status as equal to that of spoken languages. 

What made this event possible is because of the proposal made by WFD. It was first celebrated in 2018 as one of the features of the International Week of the Deaf. Furthermore, the said the special week has long been celebrated way back in 1958 as a result of the deaf community’s global movement. 

The UN General Assembly is now declaring September 23 as the International Day of Sign Languages. The theme for 2020’s event is “Sign Languages Unite Us!”. WFD encourages all establishments in public and government to highlight the color blue as a symbol of commitment and support for the event.