International Day of Sign Languages: Language Access Belongs to Everyone

Zomi Language | September 24, 2026

Every September 23, the world observes the International Day of Sign Languages. The United Nations established the day to raise awareness of the role sign languages play in the human rights of deaf people. The date also marks the founding of the World Federation of the Deaf in 1951.

The 2026 theme, “Declaring Deaf People’s Human Rights,” calls for those rights to be made effective in daily life. That includes access to education, public information and services through sign languages. The theme is part of the International Week of Deaf People, observed September 21–27.

For Zomi Language, this day is a reminder that language access must include deaf Zomi people. Sign languages are languages with their own linguistic and cultural value; they should not be assumed to be signed versions of spoken Zomi. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities calls for access to information and education through sign languages and recognizes deaf people’s linguistic and cultural identity.

Zomi organizations can begin by asking deaf Zomi people which sign languages they use and what access they need. Schools, churches, media outlets and community services can then work with them to provide qualified interpretation, captions and accessible information where appropriate. Deaf Zomi people should help shape these decisions.

Published by Zomi Language · @ZomiLanguage