Sign in Subscribe
United Nations

Inclusive Communication and Participation for Deaf Individuals

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Senior UN officials Simon Springett and Eric Falt argued that recognizing and promoting sign language is essential for deaf individuals to communicate, learn, and participate fully in society. As part of the International Day of Sign Language, they highlighted the critical human rights issue of sign language access and inclusion in the Caribbean. They emphasized the importance of inclusive education, civic participation, and access to media and information for deaf individuals.

Key Takeaways:

  • More than 70 million people are deaf worldwide, with over 80% living in developing countries, and the majority of them live in the Caribbean.
  • Recognizing and promoting sign language is a fundamental human rights issue, not just a niche concern.
  • In the Caribbean, deaf individuals face significant challenges in accessing inclusive education, civic participation, and media and information.
  • Sign language is a critical gateway for deaf individuals to exercise their rights, and policies affecting deaf people must include their voices and leadership.
  • UNESCO's World Atlas of Languages documents over 8,000 spoken and signed languages, highlighting the diversity of human language and culture.
  • Education remains a critical entry point for inclusion, and sign language improves learning outcomes, preserves cultural heritage, and supports cognitive, emotional, and social development.
  • As of the date of the report, 78 countries legally recognize sign languages, and the Caribbean needs to advance recognition and integration of sign language into education.
  • The UN is supporting Caribbean countries to advance inclusive digital transformation strategies, such as a public communications campaign interpreted in sign language in Antigua and Barbuda.

Statistics:

  • 70 million+ people are deaf worldwide.
  • 80% of deaf individuals live in developing countries.
  • 300+ sign languages exist worldwide.
  • 78 countries have legally recognized sign languages.
  • Over 8,000 spoken and signed languages are documented by UNESCO's World Atlas of Languages.
  • In Antigua and Barbuda, the UN is supporting the national Digital Transformation Framework through a sign language-interpreted public communications campaign.

Sources:

  • United Nations (no date): Statement on International Day of Sign Language.
  • UNESCO (no date): World Atlas of Languages.
  • UN Disability Inclusion Strategy (no date): Disability inclusion strategy for the United Nations system.

Read more