International Day of Sign Languages

International Day of Sign Languages marks the special event to acknowledge the contribution of sign languages in linguistics as well as to uphold the basic rights of the hearing-impaired. With over 72 million deaf individuals around the globe, as reported by the World Federation of the Deaf, this holiday shouldn’t be underrated especially when deaf people have been fighting daily to be accepted by society.

International Day of Sign Languages Definition and Meaning

International Day of Sign Languages is a yearly event proposed by the United Nations (UN) that celebrates the art of sign language in linguistics and the people who practice it such as the hearing-impaired.

International Day of Sign Languages is celebrated along with the International Week of the Deaf and the World Federation of the Deaf, meaning the celebration also brings awareness to the human rights of deaf communities besides the importance of sign language for other people with disability.

When Is International Day of Sign Languages?

The International Day of Sign Languages happens every September 23rd. It was first observed in 2018 and next year, September 23, 2023, the holiday falls on a Saturday; thus, you can do so much for the weekend to commemorate this event.

International Day of Sign Languages History

Having the International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL) fall on September 23 was first declared by the UN on December 19, 2017, specifically during a general assembly. The date wasn’t just a random decision because September 23 is actually the World Federation of the Deaf’s anniversary since 1951. IDSL began its first celebration in 2018 with the theme “with sign language, everyone is included” and it has been a tradition for the following years to have another signature theme.

International Day of Sign Languages Purpose, Importance

Besides the mere definition of the International Day of Sign Languages, there are lots of reasons why you should celebrate this special event, and it helps to understand the main purpose and importance of IDSL to the world.

Sign Languages in Education

Sign language is crucial to any hard-of-hearing person in terms of education and development. Without preserving the culture of sign languages, it would be difficult for a deaf student, or the deaf in general, to communicate with other people. At the same time, people who can hear shouldn’t take the deaf for granted since everyone who isn’t hearing impaired are encouraged to practice basic sign language during the IDSL.

A Campaign for Raising Awareness

As mentioned by the World Federation of the Deaf, about 72 million people are hearing impaired, around 300 kinds of sign languages exist, and approximately 80% of the deaf come from less developed countries. And those statistical facts alone are noteworthy causes to support the International Day of Sign Languages. So the holiday is made for a great cause which is to uphold both the deaf people’s rights as well as the impact of sign language in civilization.

Diversity of Sign Language and Expressions

Sign language is diverse, especially when you can expect 300 types of sign languages and they may vary from one country to another. In fact, you’ll find sign language interesting in terms of how it prompts you to communicate in many ways besides word of mouth. You can express sign language through your facial expression, hand gesture, body movement, and even listening to the eyes; someone who is both blind and mute even uses tactile signing which requires communication through the sense of touch.

What’s in International Day of Sign Languages?

During IDSL, tons of activities are in store and the most important one would be providing sign language education or easy access to sign languages. For the serious part of the celebration, people who anticipate the event would post on social media with the hashtags #InternationalDayofSignLanguages and #IDSL, study more about sign languages such as the basic alphabet signs, or meet with the deaf community to greet them. And for the celebratory part, it can be done through lavish dinner parties and other fun activities with the purpose of funding charities for the deaf community.

How to Create an International Day of Sign Languages Social Media Post

An easy and accessible way to honor the International Day of Sign Languages is to make an IDSL social media post. And you can create one for Facebook, Instagram, or even WhatsApp.

Facebook

1. Look for an International Day of Sign Languages Facebook post template.

Watch out for free International Day of Sign Languages templates at Template.net. Then, click on the International Day of Sign Languages Facebook post template specifically. Next, click “Edit This Template FREE.”

2. Tweak the text of the premade template.

Now that you are inside the Editor tool, begin to press “Fill” on the left-side menu. It lets you access the text boxes of the template which you can click and type your message for the FB post. Take this chance to write down your IDSL greetings, inspirational quotes about the International Day of Sign languages, news and significances about the holiday, etc.

3. Access stock images and vector graphics.

Select “Graphics” on the menu to access all sorts of stock photos and vector graphics that you can insert into the template. You may choose a picture of every sign language alphabet symbol, deaf community infographics, and so much more. Then, you can adjust the size and placement of each photo while designing the template.

4. Add a logo, background, or table.

Make the most of how you display your FB post by also using the “Logo,” “Background,” and other features lined up in the Editor tool. You may upload your own business logo for display, choose a creative wallpaper with high resolution, and more. The point is you can embellish the template in many ways possible besides simply sticking with what the standard FB post template offers.

5. Hit save in the end.

Always save your work once finished before you lose everything you worked for. Simply access the top page of the Editor tool, click the three-dotted icon, and press “Save.” Now you can go to Facebook and post your IDSL template as the event approaches.

Instagram

1. Search for a professionally made International Day of Sign Languages Instagram post template.

Access Template.net and view all the premade collections of IDSL templates. Click on the sample template set in Instagram post format. Then, customize it on the Editor tool to get started.

2. Write your message for IDSL.

Press “Fill” from the Editor tool. Select any text box from the template and type down your message for the International Day of Sign Languages. It can be about your standard greeting phrases for the event, the full reference link of a research report related to the holiday, or the topic of your blog commemorating IDSL.

3. Incorporate pleasing graphics into your post.

Leverage the “Graphics” tool next. This is where you may hand sign images including the translation, drawings and arts about IDSL, or a simple global picture with hand signs on the sides. You decide how your creativity plays out in adding pictures to the post.

4. Alter the background color of the template.

Press “Background” so you can change the background format of the template. The easiest attempt is to pick on any color you like from the color palette and you would see what your background color looks like on the template found on the right side of your screen as a preview. Or, opt to use a photo as your backdrop rather than just picking a color.

5. Finalize the template you just customized.

Finally, click the three dots above your screen. Choose “Save” and keep the template ready as the holiday comes close. Then, you know what to do on Instagram once you add the right hashtags and publish the post there.

WhatsApp

1. Select an International Day of Sign Languages WhatsApp post template.

Template.net houses free and editable International Day of Sign Languages templates. The goal is to pick the one in WhatsApp post format. Then, tap the “Edit This Template FREE” button to move to the Editor tool shortly.

2. Input the message on the template.

Using the “Fill” tool, write what needs to be said in your IDSL WhatsApp post. You can write about the standard holiday tradition manual, a rough guide on sign language punctuation, or explain every category or type of sign language around the world. Another tip is to personalize your IDSL greetings to your audience may it be for production designers, people who process passports, library workers, or basically any target.

3. Insert pictures for aesthetic purposes.

Pictures do paint a number of interpretations. So make sure you access “Graphics” in the Editor tool to add any image you want to display on your WhatsApp post. Besides focusing on aesthetics, make sure each visual element is easy for the eyes, has the right size, or is visible enough in terms of resolution.

4. Mind the wallpaper of the post as well.

Click “Background” in the Editor tool and you will be able to change the background color or photo. Simply press your desired color for the background from the color options provided. Or, use an image as the backdrop of your post so you won’t simply have a one-dimensional color for your wallpaper.

5. Reserve your work for the actual IDSL.

Click “…” and “Save” to finish the process. Now that you have saved the template, wait for the actual day of IDSL. Then, you can post the template shortly to observe the holiday for sign languages to the world.

International Day of Sign Languages vs. World Book Day

International Day of Sign Languages is a yearly holiday initiated by the UN to acknowledge the contribution of sign languages and support deaf people’s rights; this holiday happens every September 23.

World Book Day is an annual celebration proposed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on the enjoyment of reading books and the impact of books worldwide; this day occurs every April 23.

International Day of Sign Languages Ideas and Examples

The International Day of Sign Languages is a great opportunity to unite the world to practice basic sign language, raise awareness of deaf people’s human rights, and celebrate sign languages’ contribution to society. To ensure you can spread the word to more audiences possible regarding this holiday, don’t forget to utilize other IDSL ideas and examples besides the social media posts discussed earlier.

International Day of Sign Languages Banner Ideas and Examples

Spice up your holiday greeting using a well-made, large-size International Day of Sign Languages banner template.

International Day of Sign Languages Vector Ideas and Examples

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International Day of Sign Languages Poster Vector Ideas and Examples

Spread awareness and wow your audiences at the same time when you utilize a free International Day of Sign Languages poster vector template.

International Day of Sign Languages Illustration Ideas and Examples

Make use of a professionally made International Day of Sign Languages illustration template to commemorate the holiday with a bang.

International Day of Sign Languages Clipart Ideas and Examples

Try using cute clipart related to the celebration for any purpose with the premade International Day of Sign Languages clipart vector template.

International Day of Sign Languages Quote Vector Ideas and Examples

Don’t forget to share memorable quotes about IDSL and one example is to use this free International Day of Sign Languages quote vector template.

Happy International Day of Sign Languages Illustration Ideas and Examples

Spread good vibes and happiness to your loved ones when you optimize a Happy International Day of Sign Languages illustration template.

International Day of Sign Languages Website Banner Ideas and Examples

Be woke on your website while celebrating IDSL by displaying an International Day of Sign Languages website banner template.

International Day of Sign Languages Greeting Card Vector Ideas and Examples

Insert a personal message through your holiday greeting when you leverage an International Day of Sign Languages greeting card vector template.

International Day of Sign Languages Cartoon Vector Ideas and Examples

A simple yet riveting B&W aesthetic never goes out of style and a classic International Day of Sign Languages cartoon vector template can promise that for you.

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