International Day of Sign Languages 2026: Declaring Deaf People’s Human Rights
Wednesday 23rd September marks the International Day of Sign Languages, celebrated during the International Week of Deaf People from 21st to 27th September 2026.
This year’s theme, “Declaring Deaf People’s Human Rights,” is a call for governments, employers, education providers and communities to turn recognition into meaningful action. Deaf people’s rights must be respected and implemented in every area of life, with full access through national sign languages.
Sign languages are essential
Sign languages are complete, natural languages with their own grammar and structure. They are central to the identity, culture, education and participation of Deaf people.
The United Nations estimates that approximately 72 million Deaf people use more than 300 different sign languages worldwide. The International Day of Sign Languages was established by the United Nations in 2017 and is observed on 23 September, commemorating the date on which the World Federation of the Deaf was founded in 1951.
Here in Northern Ireland, British Sign Language and Irish Sign Language are both used by members of our Deaf community. The recognition of BSL and ISL in law represents an important achievement—but recognition must be followed by accessible services, information and opportunities.
Rights must be experienced in everyday life
Human rights should not exist only on paper. Deaf people must be able to experience them in education, employment, healthcare, public services and community life.
For Deaf people who use BSL or ISL, equal access can include:
Qualified sign language interpreters for interviews, meetings, training and appointments
Information provided directly in BSL or ISL
Accessible recruitment and onboarding processes
Communication support and workplace equipment
Deaf awareness training for managers and colleagues
Deaf people being included in decisions that affect their lives
Equal access to education, training and career progression
Communication support is not an additional benefit—it is often what makes equal participation possible.
Turning recognition into action in the workplace
At AdaptNI, we see the difference that accessible communication can make. When the right support is available, Deaf people can demonstrate their skills, contribute fully at work and progress in their careers.
Through our specialist pre-employment, transitions and in-work support programmes, we help Deaf people across Northern Ireland to:
Prepare for employment, education and training
Develop CV and interview skills
Request reasonable adjustments
Access interpreters and communication support
Settle into a new workplace
Address communication barriers
Remain in work and progress in their careers
We also work directly with employers, providing practical guidance, workplace support and Deaf awareness training. Small changes—such as booking an interpreter, sharing information in advance or making meetings visually accessible—can remove significant barriers.
Deaf people’s rights are human rights. Sign language access helps make those rights a reality.
To learn more about AdaptNI’s free employment, transitions and in-work support across Northern Ireland, look through the website or contact the team info@adaptni.co.uk
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