The International Day of Sign Languages is observed annually on September 23 to raise global awareness about the vital role sign languages play in safeguarding the human rights, cultural identity, and social inclusion of deaf individuals. Officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in 2017, the date commemorates the founding of the World Federation of the Deaf on September 23, 1951. The day emphasizes that sign languages are fully-fledged natural languages—structurally distinct from spoken tongues—and advocates for the preservation, early access, and quality education in native sign languages for deaf communities worldwide, aligning with broader goals of universal accessibility and linguistic diversity.
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Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
