International Day of Persons with Disabilities

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD), observed every year on December 3rd, highlights the rights, dignity, and well-being of persons with disabilities. Established in 1992 through United Nations resolution A/RES/47/3, this day serves as a call to action to build an inclusive society. This year, as we commemorate IDPWD, we emphasize the role of inclusive communication and the diverse methods required to meet the needs of all individuals with disabilities.

What Are Sign Languages?

Sign languages are visual forms of communication that use hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements to convey meaning. These languages are as rich and complex as spoken languages, each with unique grammar and vocabulary. Contrary to a common misconception, there is no universal sign language. Some of the widely recognized sign languages include:

American Sign Language (ASL): Predominantly used in the United States and Canada, ASL is a full-fledged language with its own syntax and rules.

• ASL is the third most commonly used language in the United States, after English and Spanish.
• ASL has strong roots in French Sign Language.
• ASL is a complete and organized language that uses both manual and non-manual features.
• The Foreign Service Institute and Defense Language Institute consider ASL to be a Level IV language, which is the most difficult level.
• The American Sign Language Teachers Association (ASLTA) says that the main challenge with ASL is the modality of learning.

British Sign Language (BSL): Used in the United Kingdom, BSL differs significantly from ASL, showcasing the regional diversity of sign languages.

• BSL has its own grammar, syntax, and lexicons, and is structured differently than English.?For example, in BSL, the main topic is introduced first, followed by a reference to something about the topic.
• BSL has an estimated 20,000–100,000 key signs that are used as the foundation for creating other signs.
• Signs can convey complex meaning through their speed, directionality, and movements.
• BSL uses a combination of hand shapes and movements, facial expressions, lip patterns, and shoulder movements.
• BSL is not strongly related to spoken English.
• BSL is the most common sign language used in the UK and is mainly used by people who are deaf or to support those who have a hearing loss.

International Sign Language (IS): Often used at international gatherings, this system serves as a bridge for people from different linguistic backgrounds.

• IS incorporates gestures and loan signs from different countries.?It varies depending on the language background of the signers who use it.
• The status of IS as a language has been debated for a long time.?Some say that IS is the preferred term over International Sign Language (ISL) because IS varies depending on the signers' language background.
• Gestuno was a form of international sign language that used elements of different sign languages.?However, the system of Gestuno is no longer used to communicate.
• September 23rd is the International Day of Sign Languages, which commemorates the launch of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) in 1951.

Tactile Sign Languages (TSL): These are adapted versions of sign languages, designed for individuals who are both deaf and blind. Communication happens through touch, with the recipient feeling the movements of the signer’s hands.

• To use tactile sign language, the person who is deafblind places their hands over the signer's hands to feel the shape and movement of the signs.
• Tactile sign language needs to be modified to convey body language, such as facial expressions, tone of voice, head movements, and shoulder raises.
• A tactile sign is?any sign that can be read by touch. Braille, raised print and raised symbols or pictograms are examples of tactile elements used on signs. Doors and openings that lead to public spaces should be identified by tactile signage. A good example of a sign beside a doorway.

Why Are Sign Languages Important?

Sign languages are a vital tool for inclusion, ensuring that individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can engage in meaningful communication. These languages allow people to participate fully in education, employment, and social activities, breaking barriers of isolation. They also foster cultural identity and self-expression, promoting equality and respect.

What About Braille and Tactile Communication?

While sign languages primarily serve individuals who are deaf, Braille and tactile communication methods cater to those who are blind or visually impaired:

• Braille: A tactile writing system using raised dots, Braille enables individuals to read and write independently. It plays a crucial role in education and accessibility.
• Tactile Communication: This includes tactile sign languages, touch-based alphabets, and tools like tactile graphics and maps. These methods are invaluable for people with dual sensory impairments.

United Nations Efforts and Global Achievements

The United Nations has been at the forefront of advocating for inclusive communication:

1. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD): This landmark treaty recognizes sign languages and Braille as essential forms of communication, urging governments to provide equal access to information and services.
2. International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL): Celebrated annually on September 23rd, this day raises awareness about the importance of sign languages worldwide.
3. World Braille Day (WBD): Observed on January 4th, this day emphasizes the role of Braille in literacy and education.
4. Inclusive Education and Technology (IET): UN initiatives encourage the integration of sign languages and Braille into education systems and support the development of assistive technologies, such as screen readers and refreshable Braille displays.

Other Categories of Disabilities: Beyond Sign Languages

While sign languages and Braille address specific needs, many individuals with disabilities do not benefit directly from these methods. These include:

• Individuals with Cognitive or Intellectual Disabilities: Intellectual disability (ID) is?a neurodevelopmental condition that affects a person's ability to learn, solve problems, and function independently. They may require simplified communication methods, visual aids, or augmented communication devices.
• Individuals with Mobility Impairments: Mobility impairments are?conditions that limit a person's ability to move or coordinate.?They can be temporary or permanent, and can affect the upper or lower body. Their primary challenges often revolve around physical accessibility rather than communication, emphasizing the need for accessible infrastructure.
• Individuals with Speech Impairments: Individuals with speech impairments?have difficulty pronouncing sounds, making it difficult for others to understand what they are saying. Assistive technologies like text-to-speech devices can provide effective communication solutions.

By recognizing the diverse needs of these groups, we can adopt a holistic approach to inclusivity.

A Request to the United Nations

"Education is the seed of inclusion; let us plant it in every classroom."

The journey toward an inclusive society begins with education. To ensure a truly inclusive future, the United Nations is urged to emphasize the role of education in promoting awareness and understanding of diverse communication methods, including sign languages, Braille, and other tools tailored for individuals with disabilities.

Start at the School Level?

Children are quick learners, and schools serve as the ideal environment for imparting values and skills that shape their worldview. Teaching the importance of sign languages and inclusive communication methods from an early age has multiple benefits:

1. Fosters Empathy: Learning about the challenges faced by persons with disabilities encourages children to empathize with others and view diversity as a strength.
2. Builds Skills: Familiarity with sign languages or Braille equips children with practical skills to communicate effectively with peers who have disabilities.
3. Breaks Barriers: Early exposure reduces societal stigma and promotes the normalization of inclusion as part of daily life.
4. Encourages Lifelong Inclusion: Students who grow up valuing inclusion carry these attitudes into adulthood, fostering workplaces and communities that embrace diversity.

A Call to UN Member States

On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we urge the United Nations and its registered member states to introduce curricula that include the following:

1. Basic Sign Language Instruction: Teach the fundamentals of national and regional sign languages, alongside raising awareness about tactile sign languages for individuals who are deafblind.
2. Braille Literacy Programs: Educate students about the importance of Braille as a tool for literacy and communication for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
3. Awareness Campaigns: Include discussions about the rights and achievements of persons with disabilities to encourage respect and eliminate stigma.
4. Collaborative Activities: Promote interaction between students with and without disabilities through inclusive activities that demonstrate the value of diverse abilities.

By integrating inclusive communication education into school systems, member states will cultivate a generation that values diversity and actively seeks to include individuals with disabilities in all aspects of life. This thoughtful generation will serve as advocates for equality, build stronger communities, and contribute to a more compassionate and connected world.

The United Nations has long championed the rights of persons with disabilities. To further this mission, we call on the UN to request its member states to prioritize inclusive communication education at the school level. By doing so, we can instill values of empathy, respect, and inclusivity in children—the leaders of tomorrow.

As we observe the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, let us recognize that true inclusion begins with knowledge, and knowledge begins in the classroom. Together, we can create a world where every voice is valued and heard, starting with the youngest members of our society.

By embracing diverse methods, from sign languages and Braille to assistive technologies and tactile communication, we can create a world where no one is left behind. This December 3rd, let us honor the spirit of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities by championing inclusive communication and fostering a society that values every voice, whether spoken, signed, or felt.

"True inclusion begins when we make every effort to understand and connect with each other."