International Day of Sign Languages

[Transcript] Today, September 23, is the International Day of Sign Languages. There are many posts on social media to celebrate this. Several world leaders have posted videos of themselves signing.

The Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison, posted a video of him signing in Auslan and recognizing International Day of Sign Languages.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido posted a video in Venezuelan Sign Language in which he said he was the country’s president and called for free elections.

The First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, posted a video in British Sign Language to say she supports sign language rights for all.

The Israel Defense Forces posted a video of people who volunteered to serve in the military signing Israel’s national anthem, Hatikva, in Israeli Sign Language.

UNICEF Kenya posted a video of a woman signing in Kenyan Sign Language to call for more access to KSL.

The Maldives Police posted a video of a female police officer signing a message to explain that they have developed 34 police interpreters and hope to train more to provide access to services.

Emma and Lachy from “The Wiggles” did a video in Auslan for IDSL in partnership with The Deaf Society.

There are many videos out there on the internet if you look up the hashtag #IDSL2019.

The United Nations officially recognized this day in 2017 by approving a resolution from the World Federation of the Deaf and the UN Mission of Antigua and Barbuda.

Why September 23? It is the date that the WFD was founded in 1951. This week is also the “International Week of the Deaf.”

The WFD President Joseph Murray said that the theme of the International Week of the Deaf is “Sign Language Rights for All.”

So, here is a happy International Day of Sign Languages from “The Daily Moth!”

https://www.dailymotharchive.com/single-post/2017/12/21/UN-Declares-September-23-International-Day-of-Sign-Languages-Interview-w-WFD-President-Colin-Allen

http://wfdeaf.org/get-involved/wfd-events/international-week-deaf/

Australia: https://bit.ly/2mgLAjK

Venezuela: https://bit.ly/2l9x0ua

WFD: https://bit.ly/2mwFwDU

Wiggles: https://bit.ly/2mbCgOe

Kenya: https://bit.ly/2kZ26oy

Israel: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2447355662024880

Scotland: https://twitter.com/scotgov/status/1176069768379600896

Maldives: https://twitter.com/PoliceMv/status/1176080838003326977

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