WFD was established in 1951. It has B-category status in the United Nations (UN) system and is represented in a number of UN organisations including the WHO, ECOSOC, UNESCO and ILO. WFD works with other international disability organisations and was involved in developing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. You You can learn more about WFD here: www.wfdeaf.org
WFD
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Taking an active part in the work of WFD is an important part of our role. As a member, we are part of WFD's General Assembly. Here delegates elect the WFD Board and decide its action plan for the following four years.
Right now, WFD is focusing on:
- Improving the status of national sign languages
- Better education for Deaf people
- Improving access to technology and services
- Programmes to improve human rights for Deaf people in developing countries.
World Congress
The General Assembly is held in conjunction with the World Congress of WFD. This is an exciting conference with Deaf people from all over the world attending. New Zealand has been fortunate in sending strong delegations in the past.
The next congress will be held in Durban, South Africa from 14-24 July 2011. Find out more about the congress and its theme of 'Global Deaf Renaissance' at www.wfd2011.com
Youth Section
We are proud to have Daniel Greenwood, a kiwi, on the WFD Youth Section Board. Part of its role is to host youth camps. Several New Zealander's have taken part in these camps, and had a lot of fun while learning heaps about Deaf people and human rights on the way! Check out www.wfdys.org for information about up and coming youth camps.
