Today, as we join the world to celebrate the International Day of Sign Languages, we reaffirm a simple yet powerful truth: communication is a human right.
Sign language is not just a tool for the Deaf community—it is a living, expressive language that carries culture, identity, and pride. It connects families, strengthens communities, and opens doors to education, healthcare, justice, and meaningful participation in society.
This year’s celebration is a call to action. Let us commit to:
Recognizing sign language as equal to spoken languages in every sphere of life.
Creating inclusive spaces where Deaf persons can learn, work, and thrive without barriers.
Promoting awareness and acceptance so that every hand sign is met with respect, not stigma.
To the general public, we say: learning even a few signs can change lives—it can turn silence into connection, isolation into belonging, and difference into shared humanity.
On this International Day of Sign Languages, let us embrace the beauty of signing hands and stand together for a world where every voice—spoken or signed—is heard, valued, and celebrated.
👐🏽 Happy International Day of Sign Languages!
Isaac Abakah
DOF – Interpreter Trainers Ghana (ITG)
