International Week of Deaf People runs September 20–26, 2027, a global celebration of Deaf culture, sign languages and human rights. The World Federation of the Deaf started it in 1958, and Deaf associations around the world still lead it.
Last Full Week of September
Every year, during the last full week of September, Monday through Sunday. In 2026 it ran September 21 to 27.
Its organizer, known as WFD, was founded on September 23, 1951. That date now sits at the heart of the week.
September 23 is also the UN’s International Day of Sign Languages, and it always falls inside the week.
Since 1958
Celebrations began in September 1958. The timing honors the federation’s first World Congress, held that year.
WFD grew into a Deaf-led global body. The UN describes it as a federation of 140 national member organizations, while a 2021 Australian report counted associations from 133 countries.
A day joined the week much later. On December 19, 2017, UN members agreed to a resolution, co-sponsored by 97 countries, creating the International Day of Sign Languages.
Anniversaries keep coming. In 2021, for its 70th, WFD unveiled a statue of its first president, Vittorio Ieralla, in Rome. The unveiling took place on September 23, the federation’s founding date.
Britain’s Deaf association noted two milestones in 2026: 75 years of WFD and 20 years of the CRPD, the UN disability rights treaty.
Why the Week Matters
Deaf people make up a large global community. There are more than 70 million deaf people worldwide, the UN says.
Sign languages are many, not one. Together, deaf people use more than 300 of them.
Most deaf people live in developing countries, more than 80% of them, according to UN figures.
Rights are the focus. The 2026 theme was “Declaring Deaf People’s Human Rights,” with a different call to action for each of the seven days.
National groups carry the message at home. The British Deaf Association, which represents the UK in the federation, published the 2026 theme and daily calls.
Global policy is part of the work. WFD holds consultative status at the UN and helped found the International Disability Alliance.
The UN day gives the week its anchor. Since the UN created it, September 23 has become the moment many groups push for sign language recognition.
Hearing loss touches many more people. In Australia, for example, 1 in 6 people experience it, an Australian support provider notes.
Ways to Take Part
Learning a few signs is a friendly start. Many Deaf groups post short video lessons during the week.
Following the daily calls to action is another option. In 2026, each of the seven days had its own focus, posted by national associations.
- Learn to sign hello, thank you and your name in your local sign language.
- Follow a national Deaf association and share its posts.
- Attend a Deaf community event or Deaf arts performance.
- Turn on captions and support captioned media.
- Ask your workplace whether it provides interpreters for events.
- Read about the Deaf history of your country, including its schools and clubs.
- Watch a film or performance made by Deaf artists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there one universal sign language?
No. Each country or region has its own.
Why is “Deaf” sometimes capitalized?
The capital D refers to Deaf culture and community identity.
Who organizes the week?
A global federation of national Deaf associations.
Do I need to know sign language to take part?
Not at all. Learning a single sign is a fine start.
Is it the same as Deaf Awareness Week?
Some countries use that name for their own national events.