> Sun 27th Sept
The final day of ISL Awareness Week and International Week of Deaf People 2026.
In our final themed video, IDS CEO John Sherwin reflects on today’s theme, “75 Years of Human Rights,” marking 75 years since the World Federation of the Deaf was founded in 1951.
Across those 75 years, Deaf organisations around the world have worked to advance Deaf people’s human rights, sign language rights and equality. Here in Ireland, that progress has also been driven by years of Deaf advocacy, leadership and campaigning.
Important progress has been made, including the legal recognition of Irish Sign Language and Ireland’s ratification of the UNCRPD, but rights must be experienced in everyday life, not just written into law.
As we close this year’s campaign, we recognise the achievements of Deaf people in Ireland and around the world, while also recognising that the work continues.
Deaf people’s rights are human rights.
Filmed on location at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7, with thanks to the Museum for supporting this content and for its continued work on Irish Sign Language access.
