World Deaf Day – 29 Sept

Celebrate World Deaf Day on September 29th with Maple Community Services!

World deaf day is celebrated on the last Sunday of September every year, this year it falls on September 29th 2024. On this day annually, we recognise and celebrate the rights of deaf people across the globe, raise awareness of their challenges and highlight the importance of sign language and advocating for more inclusive communities.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that more than 1.5 billion people worldwide experience hearing loss, which is almost 20% of the global population. Around 430 million of whom experience disabling hearing loss. 

World deaf day concludes the International Week of Deaf People, which runs from September 23rd – 29th. If you would like to get involved to support our fellow community members, there are multiple things you can do to raise awareness and help us celebrate.

Why do we celebrate World Deaf Day?

We celebrate World Deaf Day to raise awareness about the challenges and achievements of the Deaf community. It’s a day to recognise their rich culture, unique language, and the importance of inclusion in society. 

By celebrating this day we help to promote equal opportunities, from education to employment, and highlight the need for accessibility, such as sign language interpretation and technology. 

It’s also a time to reflect on the progress made in empowering the Deaf community while advocating for further support and recognition of their rights, ensuring a more inclusive world for all of us.

How to get involved in World Deaf Day

Getting involved in World Deaf Day is a meaningful way to support and raise awareness for the Deaf community. There are a few ways you can do this:

Attend or organise events

Participating in events organised by local Deaf associations or organisations is a great way to show your support. These may include workshops, educational talks, or cultural performances that celebrate Deaf art, theatre, and history. 

If you can’t find any events nearby, consider organising one in your community, workplace, or school to raise awareness about Deaf culture and accessibility needs. Virtual events, especially webinars or panel discussions, can also be an inclusive option for a wider audience.

Learn sign language 

One of the most impactful ways to support the Deaf community is by learning some sign language. You can start just by learning basic phrases such as greetings, thank you, and everyday words. 

Many local or online classes teach sign language, and there are even some apps that can help you as a beginner. Not only does this skill make communication easier, it also shows that you value their language and want to be inclusive. Don’t worry if you’re not fluent, even small efforts can make a difference in encouraging inclusivity and connection in your community.

[The Ultimate Guide To Inclusive Language For Disabilities]

Advocate for accessibility

At Maple, we always emphasise the importance of advocacy when working to create an inclusive society. You can advocate for services such as sign language interpretation at public events, closed captioning on videos, and better workplace accommodations.

For instance, if you’re involved in event planning, remember to make sure these options are available for Deaf attendees. Encourage businesses and organisations to adopt accessibility practices in their communications, customer service, and hiring processes. By raising these issues, you can help to create spaces where the Deaf community feels fully included and valued.

Spread awareness

One of the easiest ways to contribute to World Deaf Day is by using your social media platforms to share information, stories, and resources related to the Deaf community. Share posts about Deaf culture, famous Deaf figures, or initiatives that support accessibility.

Raising awareness about the challenges Deaf people face in education, healthcare, and employment helps break down misconceptions people may have held onto and promotes understanding. You can use hashtags such as #WorldDeafDay and #DeafAwareness to reach a larger audience and encourage conversations about inclusivity.

Support Deaf businesses and organisations

There are many businesses and organisations led by people within the Deaf community or those dedicated to supporting them. In support, you might consider purchasing from these businesses or contributing to Deaf organisations through donations or contributing your time. 

Supporting these businesses helps us uplift our community economically and demonstrates solidarity with their goals. If you are able to volunteer at Deaf schools, cultural centres, or nonprofits this is a great way to offer a hands-on opportunity to help. When we engage with organisations in this nature we can contribute to their long-term growth and success.

What is the theme for World Deaf Day 2024?

The theme for the 2024 International Week of Deaf People is “Sign up for Sign Language Rights”. The powerful theme for this year highlights the importance of safeguarding sign language rights and ensuring people within the Deaf community have full access to their linguistic and cultural identity. 

It shines a spotlight on the need to recognise sign language not just as a mode of communication but as a vital expression of cultural diversity. By promoting sign language rights, this year’s theme encourages societies to protect and uplift the voices of Deaf people and sign language users, ensuring their inclusion and empowerment in all areas of life—education, employment, and beyond.

Events for World Deaf Day 2024

We’ve done some of our own research for events you can join for the National Week of Deaf People, either online or in Australia. Check out these options:

Events around Australia:

• Deaf Fest 2024 in Adelaide is taking place on September 21st. It will feature Auslan storytelling, workshops, children’s performances, and stalls by Deaf businesses and artisans.
• Deaf Connect is hosting a variety of activities across Australia, including BBQ’s, picnics, morning teas, and even an Amazing Race.
• Daily themed events focusing on education, advocacy, and Deaf culture will take place throughout the week, organised by Deaf Australia.

Online events: 

• Global Leaders Challenge – This virtual event invites global leaders to sign the theme “Sign Up for Sign Language Rights” in their respective national sign languages. This challenge promotes awareness and unity through sign languages worldwide.
• Webinars and panel discussions – Deaf Connect in partnership with the Australian Disability Network, will host a webinar on September 24th, focusing on inclusive education and services for the Deaf community.
• Shine a blue light campaign – On September 23rd, landmarks worldwide will be illuminated in blue to show solidarity with the Deaf community and raise awareness of sign language rights.
• Social media campaigns – Participants are encouraged to share videos and content on social media throughout the week, particularly on September 29th, highlighting their vision for the future of Deaf communities. 

Celebrating World Deaf Day doesn’t have to be confined to just one day. It serves as a reminder to continue raising awareness and promoting education throughout the year.

Keep an eye out for more opportunities to get involved and make an impact with Maple Community Services.