Every year on 23 September, we celebrate the International Day of Sign Languages, a day established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2017 to give proper recognition to Sign Languages, considered a vital part of the culture, identity, and rights of Deaf people. This date also marks the anniversary of the founding of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), a symbol of the global fight for the human, linguistic, and cultural rights of the Deaf community.

Sign Language is much more than a simple means of communication: it is the beating heart of our identity and culture. Through it, we learn, share experiences and knowledge, build relationships within the community, and pass on values to new generations. Celebrating this day means valuing our language and recognising the right of every Deaf person to receive an education in their own language.

For young Deaf people, access to educational materials in Sign Language is essential. It enables them to grasp complex concepts, participate actively in learning, and develop scientific and technological skills. Educating in our language means ensuring equal opportunities for study, growth, and personal fulfilment.

But Sign Language is alive and constantly evolving. With the advancement of science and technology, new ideas emerge that require new signs. Projects such as Sign2Inclusion move precisely in this direction, developing signs related to ecology, biodiversity, renewable energy, digital technologies, and many other fields.

However, these new signs can only become part of the language if they are shared and embraced by the Deaf community. Each of us has a key role to play: using, teaching, and sharing new signs means strengthening the language, empowering younger generations, and building a shared heritage of knowledge and belonging.

The International Day of Sign Languages reminds us how essential the right to education, learning, and knowledge is – rights that find expression through our language. Every day, we have the opportunity to make Sign Language stronger, richer, and more inclusive, giving everyone the chance to explore, understand, and actively participate in the world around us.

Together, we can spread knowledge, pride, and inclusion: valuing our language also means valuing our identity and the future of the Deaf community.

By Nicola Della Maggiora