Happy International Week of Deaf from the NAD! What are you doing this week to celebrate? #IWDeaf



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MELISSA: Celebrate International Week of the Deaf! [Repeats in international sign language]. There are over 200 sign languages used around the world by over 70 million deaf and hard of hearing people. Sign language is a language with structure, rules, and usage – just like spoken languages. Sign language happens among deaf and hard of hearing people in their homes and within the community. Sign language is the essence of Deaf Culture and Deaf Identity. Now, we begin our celebration of International Week of the Deaf by reminding everyone that we must promote, protect, and preserve our sign languages to the same degree as spoken languages. Sign language is a huge and valuable part of Deaf people and the Deaf Community. Oftentimes I meet Deaf people from other countries and am amazed at how we easily connect even through our different sign languages, because of our common ground of Deaf Culture and Deaf Identity. At the same time, we deaf people experience discrimination and are often marginalized. Our celebration this week is also a way to show the world that our sign languages deserve equal recognition and that we have the right to access sign language. Our work continues, across the globe, together. Celebrate International Week of the Deaf!