International Day of Sign Languages

The International Day of Sign Languages, observed on 23 September each year, is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of sign languages in achieving the human rights of deaf people.

This day highlights the significance of sign languages as a crucial means of communication, allowing deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to fully participate in society. It also serves as a reminder of the need to promote and protect the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of all sign language users around the world. There are 72 million deaf individuals in the world. 

Sign language is a visual means of communicating using gestures, facial expression, and body language. Sign language is used mainly by people who are deaf or have hearing impairments. If you would like to learn basic signs in British Sign Language (BSL), click here.   

Support is available from the Royal National Institute for Deaf People; they offer a 3-minute online hearing check. They also provide information and support for anyone who is deaf, has hearing loss or tinnitus – click here to access. They also offer an online tool to help you find out about hearing loss, getting hearing aids, getting the most out of your hearing aids, and information on benefits, employment and tinnitus - click here. 

If someone needs help and support, advise them to make staff aware at the college reception desks and they can advise how to avail of the college loop system which will assist with hearing impairments.