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International Day of Sign Languages

Celebrate International Day of Sign Languages by learning a few signs and showing support for the Deaf community!

Wednesday

September 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATESeptember 23

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYDisability

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Celebrate International Day of Sign Languages on September 23 by recognizing the importance of sign language in communication! This day was established in 2018 to promote the use of sign languages, highlight the importance of access to language services for deaf people, and honor their culture and identity. Sign languages are used all over the world and have been around for centuries – with some variations even predating written language! So take this opportunity to celebrate sign language diversity and raise awareness about its vital role in communication today.

TIMELINE

International Day of Sign Languages Timeline

First School for the Deaf

In 1620, the Spanish monk Pedro Ponce de León establishes the first known school for the deaf, using a form of sign language for instruction.

First Public Sign Language School

The Royal Institute for Deaf-Mutes in Paris is established in 1760 by Charles Michel de l'Épée, marking the start of public sign language education.

American School for the Deaf

The American School for the Deaf, the first permanent school of its kind in the United States, opens in Hartford, Connecticut in 1817.

Recognition of American Sign Language

In the 1960s, linguist William Stokoe presents research establishing American Sign Language (ASL) as a full language, opening up academic acceptance and study of sign languages.

UN Recognition of Sign Languages

The United Nations recognizes the linguistic rights of deaf people, emphasizing the importance of sign languages, in a resolution adopted in 2001.

International Day of Sign Languages

The United Nations declares September 23 as International Day of Sign Languages, aiming to promote awareness of sign languages and their contribution to cultural diversity.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate International Day of Sign Languages

Learn some sign language

Take the time to learn some basic sign language words and phrases. There are lots of resources available online to help you get started.

TEACH

Teach sign language

Find a local school or community center and offer to teach a sign language course. This is a great way to get involved and spread awareness of sign languages around the world.

ORGANIZE

Organize a sign language event

Organize an event in your community that celebrates sign languages. Invite people from all walks of life to come together and learn more about sign languages.

ATTEND

Attend a sign language performance

Check out local performances of sign language plays, musicals, and other theatrical productions. This is a great way to experience the beauty and power of sign languages.

WATCH

Watch a movie in sign language

Watch a movie in sign language with subtitles or audio description. This is a great way to immerse yourself in the world of sign languages and appreciate their beauty.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why International Day of Sign Languages is Important

It preserves cultural diversity

With over 300 Signed languages spoken around the world, there is a great deal of cultural diversity being preserved and celebrated. From American Sign Language to British Sign Language or any of the others, these different forms give us insight into other cultures that would otherwise remain hidden. Which helps us all learn more about each other!

International Day of Sign Languages celebrates and supports deaf communities

In recognition of International Day of Sign Languages, we are reminded to raise awareness and celebrate the unique culture and language of those who are part of the global deaf community. This day brings an appreciation for sign language as an important part of these individuals’ lives.

It promotes equal access to communication

Sign language serves as an invaluable bridge between individuals who are hard of hearing/deaf and those without such a disability. By raising awareness and understanding, sign languages can provide equality in terms of access to educational opportunities and other benefits that may be denied to people with hearing impairments otherwise.