International Day of Sign Languages: Theme, Key Facts, History, International Framework, India's Initiatives, Importance and Challenges

Why in news?

• Every year on 23 September, the world observes the International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL) to recognise the linguistic identity, cultural heritage and fundamental rights of deaf people. 

Key Facts 

History and Background

• The idea of establishing an international day dedicated to sign languages originated with the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD).
• On 19 December 2017, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/72/161, officially proclaiming 23 September as the International Day of Sign Languages.
• The resolution was sponsored by the Permanent Mission of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Nations and co-sponsored by 97 UN Member States.
• The date commemorates the establishment of the World Federation of the Deaf on 23 September 1951. The first International Day of Sign Languages was celebrated in 2018. 

What Is Sign Language?

• Sign language is a natural visual language that uses hand shapes, movements, facial expressions and body positioning to communicate meaning.
• Unlike spoken languages, which primarily use sounds, sign languages communicate through the visual-manual modality. Importantly, sign language is not universal. 
• Different countries and regions have developed distinct sign languages.
• American Sign Language (ASL): Used primarily in the United States and parts of Canada.
• British Sign Language (BSL): Used in the United Kingdom and structurally distinct from ASL.
• Indian Sign Language (ISL): Used by deaf communities across India, with regional variations.
• According to the United Nations, deaf communities worldwide use more than 300 different sign languages. 

What Is International Sign (IS)?

• A form of cross-linguistic communication used by deaf people from different countries, particularly at international meetings, conferences, sporting events and during travel.

International Week of Deaf People 2026

• The International Day of Sign Languages is observed during the International Week of Deaf People, which was first celebrated in 1958.
• In 2026, the week runs from 21 to 27 September, with the overarching theme “Declaring Deaf People's Human Rights.” 
• The week brings together deaf organisations, educational institutions, policymakers and civil society to promote linguistic rights, inclusive education and participation in public life.

International Legal Framework: UNCRPD

• The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) was adopted in 2006 and entered into force in 2008.
• It recognises disability inclusion as a matter of human rights rather than merely welfare.

India's Initiatives

• Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC): Established in 2015 under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Located in New Delhi, the centre works to promote, develop and standardise Indian Sign Language while supporting the training of interpreters and educators. Its major activities include interpreter training, teaching programmes, sign-language research and the development of educational resources. 
• Indian Sign Language Dictionary: An important resource developed by ISLRTC to improve the accessibility and consistency of communication. It has expanded to include more than 10,000 terms covering everyday communication and specialised vocabulary. The dictionary supports students, teachers, interpreters and other sign-language users. 
• PM e-Vidya Channel 31: In December 2024, the Government of India launched PM e-Vidya Channel 31, a dedicated DTH television channel for Indian Sign Language training. It is intended to support deaf and hard-of-hearing learners, special educators and sign-language interpreters.
• Digital Educational Resources: On Sign Language Day 2025, ISLRTC unveiled a digital repository containing 3,189 educational videos. The repository includes academic materials, fingerspelling resources, instructional videos and subject-specific terminology covering areas such as history, geography, economics and sociology. ISLRTC has also signed an MoU with NCERT to convert school textbooks and educational materials for Classes I–XII into sign language. 

Why Is Sign Language Important?

• Inclusive education: Early access to sign language supports language development, learning and classroom participation.
• Employment opportunities: Accessible communication helps deaf people participate in recruitment, training and professional activities.
• Access to public information: Sign-language interpretation makes news, emergency warnings and government communication more accessible.
• Cultural and linguistic identity: Sign languages preserve the shared traditions, experiences and identities of deaf communities.

Major Challenges

• Limited interpreter availability: A shortage of qualified interpreters can restrict access to education, healthcare and public services.
• Unequal educational access: Not all deaf children have access to sign-language-proficient teachers or appropriate learning materials.
• Communication barriers: Public institutions and workplaces may lack accessible communication arrangements.
• Digital accessibility gaps: Online content may lack captions, transcripts or sign-language interpretation.

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