The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) promotes awareness of human rights and sign language by hosting a variety of events around the globe. “We also encourage our members to host and attend community events”, the Federation states.
The International Week of the Deaf People (IWDP) is an initiative of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) and was first launched in 1958 in Rome, Italy. It is celebrated annually by the global Deaf Community during the last full week of September to commemorate the same month the first World Congress of the WFD was held.
The International Week of the Deaf People is celebrated through various activities by Deaf Communities all around the world. These activities and events welcome the participation of all members of deaf communities, which include families of deaf people, professional and accredited sign language interpreters, peers, as well as the involvement of various stakeholders such as national governments, national and international human rights organizations, and Organisations of Persons with Disabilities.
Theme for 2021:
Celebrating Thriving Deaf Communities
20 to 26 September 2021
Theme for 2021:
We Sign for Human Rights
23 September 2021Daily themes
| Date | Theme |
| Monday 20 September 2021 | Cherishing Deaf History |
| Tuesday 21 September 2021 | Sustainable Deaf Leadership |
| Wednesday 22 September 2021 | Sign languages for All Deaf Learners |
| Thursday 23 September 2021 | We Sign for Human Rights! |
| Friday 24 September 2021 | Intersectional Deaf Communities |
| Saturday 25 September 2021 | Deaf Culture and Arts |
| Sunday 26 September 2021 | Human Rights in Times of Crisis |
The Schedule for Nigerian National Association for the Deaf will communicate the schedule and programmes for its members.