International Week of Deaf People (2022) – September 19 to September 23

International Week of Deaf people is celebrated during the week of September 19, with the International Day of Sign Languages on September 23. During this week, we look at all the achievements that were made for, of, and by Deaf people, especially in education rights, language rights, and human rights. The theme for 2022 is, Building Inclusive Communities For All.

Although progress has been made over the last few decades in Canada, specifically related to education and language rights, there is still a long way to go. In Ontario, many Deaf children are denied access to learning American Sign Language (ASL) and opportunities to socialize with other people who are Deaf. Deaf people in many other countries are excluded from education and often do not have their basic human rights needs met.

During this week, we use this time to reflect on what we have achieved, and what more we can do.

For more information, please visit, The World Federation of the Deaf and The Ontario Deaf Foundation.

Tamara Witcher is the President of District 30 Provincial Schools Authority (PSAT) Teacher’s Bargaining Unit (TBU)