International Day of Sign Languages
“Sign language is essential to promoting inclusion, equality, and the full and meaningful participation of persons with hearing disabilities in society.”
On the occasion of the International Day of Sign Languages, I join the global community in reaffirming the importance of sign languages in advancing the rights, dignity, and participation of deaf people and persons with hearing disabilities.
Sign languages are not simply means of communication; they are languages of identity, culture, learning, and human connection. Ensuring their recognition and accessibility is fundamental to building a society where everyone can communicate, access information, pursue education, secure employment, and participate fully in community life.
At the Ethiopian Center for Disability and Development (ECDD), we remain committed to advancing disability inclusion and promoting equal opportunities for all. We recognize that meaningful inclusion requires removing communication barriers and ensuring that deaf people and sign language users are actively included in decisions that affect their lives.
Let us continue working together to promote sign language accessibility, strengthen inclusive services, and build a society where no one is excluded because of how they communicate.
Happy International Day of Sign Languages!
Dr. Getahun Semeon
Executive Director
Ethiopian Center for Disability and Development (ECDD)
Disability Inclusion in Action