For 2024, the theme for International Day of Sign Languages is “Sign Up for Sign Language Rights”.
Here, you can find the Theme “Sign Up for Sign Language Rights” in American Sign Language (ASL)
September 23 marks International Sign Language Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of sign languages for the full realization of the human rights of deaf people. This global celebration was first introduced by the United Nations (UN) in 2018 and coincided with the establishment of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) on the same date in 1951.
This day shines a light on the rich cultural heritage of deaf communities worldwide and the critical role that signs languages play in ensuring accessibility and equality. For those advocating for workplace safety and occupational health, it is also a reminder to make educational materials, policies, and training accessible to all—including those who rely on sign language.
History of International Sign Language Day
The recognition of International Sign Language Day stems from the broader movement to protect and promote the linguistic and cultural rights of deaf people. The WFD, founded by deaf leaders from around the world, works to advance these rights and improve the quality of life for deaf individuals globally. With over 70 million deaf people worldwide, the majority of whom use sign language as their primary mode of communication, the need to recognize, protect, and standardize sign language became urgent.
In 2017, the UN General Assembly officially proclaimed September 23 as International Sign Language Day as part of the International Week of the Deaf. The theme for the first observance in 2018 was “With Sign Language, Everyone is Included”, emphasizing the universal nature of sign language and its importance in fostering inclusion.
The Importance of Communication and Sign Language
For the deaf community, communication is more than just exchanging information—it's a bridge to inclusion, equality, and human dignity. Sign languages are full-fledged, naturally developed languages, with their own grammar, vocabulary, and cultural nuances. They enable deaf individuals to express themselves fully, from everyday conversations to complex academic discussions and are essential for education, employment, and social inclusion.
When deaf individuals are unable to access sign language in education or the workplace, they face significant barriers. Inaccessible communication creates isolation and limits their participation in society. This is why sign language recognition and access are not just about language—they are about human rights.
In the workplace, understanding and implementing safety protocols can become life-threatening if proper communication methods are not accessible to deaf workers. Incorporating sign language into safety training, particularly in hazardous industries, ensures that everyone can work safely and confidently.
Workplace Safety for Deaf People: A Critical Need
Workplace accidents can happen to anyone, but for deaf workers, the risk is often higher if safety training and communication methods are not made accessible in sign language. In high-risk industries such as construction, manufacturing, warehouses, or healthcare, the inability to fully understand safety protocols due to communication barriers can have devastating consequences.
Statistics on Workplace Accidents Among People with Disabilities
While comprehensive global data specifically about deaf workers is limited, broader studies on workplace accidents involving people with disabilities paint a concerning picture:
According to a study conducted by the National Council on Disability (NCD) in the United States, people with disabilities are 2.5 times more likely to experience workplace accidents than those without disabilities.
The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work reported that workers with disabilities, including hearing impairments, often face increased risks due to lack of tailored safety training.
In Peru, official statistics from the Instituto Nacional de Estadística e Informática (INEI) show that people with disabilities represent a significant portion of workplace accident victims, particularly in industries where communication is critical for safety.
These statistics highlight the urgent need for inclusive safety practices. By failing to address the unique communication needs of deaf employees, employers are inadvertently increasing the likelihood of accidents, which can lead to serious injuries or even fatalities.
Spreading Safety and Health Information in Sign Language
The inclusion of sign language in workplace safety training is not just a matter of compliance—it is a moral commitment. Occupational health and safety programs must include sign language interpreters or use visual aids designed specifically for deaf workers. This ensures that deaf individuals receive the same level of understanding as their hearing counterparts when it comes to safety protocols, emergency procedures, and hazard prevention.
Many accidents in the workplace can be prevented by simple steps like understanding how to handle machinery properly, knowing where emergency exits are, or understanding hazardous material warnings. For deaf workers, these safety instructions must be communicated in their sign language to ensure full comprehension.
By making safety training accessible, we reduce accidents and empower deaf workers to thrive in their roles, confident that they can navigate their work environment safely.
Deaf Culture and the Role of Sign Language
Deaf culture is rich with unique traditions, values, and expressions that are often transmitted through sign language. Unlike spoken languages, sign languages are visually based, relying on gestures, facial expressions, and body language. This visual nature means that sign language carries more than just words—it conveys emotion, emphasis, and intent.
Deaf communities worldwide take pride in their language, as it not only connects them to others within their culture but also serves as a tool for advocacy and empowerment. Deaf culture emphasizes the shared experiences of deaf people, their struggles for recognition and equality, and the collective use of sign language as a symbol of identity.
As more countries recognize the rights of deaf people and support the use of sign language in public services and education, deaf culture continues to grow and evolve. Sign languages also connect people across borders, with international deaf events bringing together signers from different nations, helping to build solidarity and promote global awareness of deaf rights.
Comparison of Sign Language Development: Peru and Other Countries
Sign Language in Peru
Peru officially recognized Peruvian Sign Language (Lengua de Señas Peruana or LSP) in 2010. While the Peruvian deaf community has long been advocating for inclusion, sign language recognition was a significant victory. The Peruvian Ministry of Education has taken steps to promote LSP in schools, but the implementation remains uneven, particularly in rural areas where resources and trained interpreters are scarce.
Though LSP has government recognition, challenges remain:
Limited access to interpreters in public services and healthcare.
Inconsistent availability of sign language education, particularly for children in rural and underserved areas.
Low awareness in workplaces about the need for safety materials in sign language, puts deaf workers at risk in industries where clear communication is critical for safety.
Sign Language in Other Countries
United States:
American Sign Language (ASL) is one of the most well-established sign languages, with significant cultural influence in the deaf community.
ASL was recognized as a complete language in the 1960s and is widely used in education and media. The U.S. has made substantial progress in providing access to interpreters in schools, healthcare, and government services.
Workplaces in industries like construction and healthcare are increasingly offering ASL training for supervisors and colleagues to ensure inclusive communication for deaf employees.
Finland:
Finland was one of the first countries to grant constitutional protection for sign language users, recognizing Finnish Sign Language in 1995. Deaf education in Finland is robust, and schools offer bilingual education (Finnish and sign language).
In the workplace, Finnish deaf workers have strong legal protections to ensure access to sign language interpreters during job training and safety briefings.
New Zealand:
New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) became an official language in 2006, making the country a global leader in sign language recognition. NZSL is widely used in education, public services, and even in television broadcasts.
New Zealand’s workplace policies emphasize accessibility, with NZSL included in many corporate safety training sessions to ensure deaf workers can understand safety protocols and emergency procedures.
United Kingdom:
In the UK, British Sign Language (BSL) has gained significant recognition and support, particularly in recent years. In 2022, the British Sign Language Act was passed, officially recognizing BSL as a language of the UK, which marked a significant step toward greater inclusion and accessibility for the deaf community. BSL has its grammar and syntax, distinct from English, and is widely used by deaf individuals in the UK.
A notable innovation in the realm of accessibility is Signapse, a UK-based company that leverages AI technology to improve communication for the deaf community. Signapse has developed AI-powered sign language avatars that translate text into British Sign Language in real time.
Japan:
Japanese Sign Language (JSL), while widely used, was only recently given official recognition. Advocacy from the deaf community led to significant improvements in access to education and services for deaf individuals.
In the workplace, however, Japan faces similar challenges as Peru, with limited access to JSL interpreters in certain regions and industries.
Key Differences:
Government Support: Countries like Finland and New Zealand have long-standing government recognition of sign languages and offer more comprehensive access to education and workplace inclusion. Peru is making progress, but the infrastructure for widespread sign language education and workplace inclusion is still in development.
Workplace Safety: Countries with stronger legal frameworks for deaf rights have more inclusive workplace safety protocols, offering training in sign language. Peru is starting to implement similar programs, but access remains inconsistent, particularly outside major cities.
Cultural Integration: In countries where sign language is more integrated into mainstream culture (like the U.S. and New Zealand), deaf communities have greater visibility, advocacy power, and access to resources.
Access to artificial intelligence technology: Countries like the UK are leading with AI innovations like Signapse, which provides real-time British Sign Language (BSL) avatars, significantly improving accessibility for the deaf community. In contrast, Peru is still developing access to similar AI tools for Peruvian Sign Language (LSP), which affects the availability of real-time safety information in workplaces.
As we celebrate International Sign Language Day, it’s crucial to reflect on the progress made and the challenges that remain. For deaf communities, communication is a basic human right, and the recognition of sign languages worldwide is key to ensuring accessibility, safety, and inclusion.
In Peru, progress continues with the recognition of Peruvian Sign Language, but there is much work to be done to ensure that deaf individuals have equal access to education, workplace safety, and public services. International examples show that with government support and cultural awareness, sign language can be a powerful tool for empowerment.
For workplace safety, spreading safety and health information in sign language can prevent accidents and save lives.
Employers have the responsibility to ensure their training programs and safety protocols are fully accessible to all workers, including the deaf, to ensure that no one is left behind. Contact us to work together.
References:
India Today: "International Day of Sign Languages 2024: Date, history and significance," India Today, updated on September 23, 2024. This source discusses the theme of International Sign Language Day 2024 and the history and importance of the day. (India Today)ps://www.indiatoday.in/information/story/international-day-of-sign-languages-2024-date-history-and-significance-2604847-2024-09-23).
United Nations (UN): Official declarations on International Day of Sign Languages and its significance in promoting the rights of deaf people worldwide. This information aligns with the global advocacy for linguistic and cultural rights through the recognition of sign languages.
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