On this 2024 edition of the International Day of Sign Languages, the world will highlight the unity generated by our over 200 different national sign languages. Deaf communities, governments and civil society organisations continue their collective efforts – hand in hand – to foster, promote and recognise national sign languages as part of their countries’ vibrant and diverse linguistic landscapes.
Following the success of the Shine a blue light on Sign Languages in 2022 and 2023, the WFD is continuing the Blue Light for Sign Languages this year, aiming to highlight the unity brought by the shared experience of national sign languages.
This event aims to unite the world, its citizens, communities and societies through the blue light.
We invite all public places, public landmarks and official buildings, Presidential houses, County buildings, City Halls, and others to be spotlighted in blue light on 23 September 2024. By highlighting the blue colour on their buildings and landmarks is a reaffirmation of our joint commitment to supporting national sign languages and showing solidarity with global deaf communities. Together, we can achieve human rights and a more equal society via the use of national sign languages in all areas of life.
The colour blue has been used by the WFD since its founding in 1951, and the Blue Ribbon has been used as a symbol of deaf communities’ work over the centuries for equality in society and recognition of their national sign languages. To read more go to this link https://wfdeaf.org/70th-anniversary/.
The Blue Light Challenge is a unique opportunity for national governments to partner with their national associations of deaf people in achieving the human rights of their deaf communities.
