Position of the World Federation of the Deaf on sign languages

- Рапіна, Л.А. (orcid.org/0000-0001-5587-3376) (2025) Position of the World Federation of the Deaf on sign languages Education of Persons with Special Needs: Ways of Development (26). pp. 199-212. ISSN 2313-4011

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Abstract

The article discusses the importance of recognizing and supporting the status of sign languages ​​on an equal footing with spoken languages, standardizing the legal aspects of protecting sign language(s) and promoting their use on an equal footing with others, and preserving the cultural and linguistic identity of deaf people. The position of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) on this issue is outlined. The World Federation of the Deaf is an international non-governmental organization that promotes the rights of deaf people around the world (founded in Rome in 1951). An important part of its work is promoting the rights to education in the native sign language(s) of deaf people, including deafblind people and deaf people with severe disabilities. After all, the need to master a natural sign language is crucial for all deaf people. Purpose: to analyze the latest WFD documents on the use of sign languages, aimed at recognizing the comprehensive rights of sign language users, preserving the identity of deaf cultures, national (regional) sign languages and their diversity. Methods: theoretical approach, analysis, comparison, generalization, conclusion. Conclusions. The WFD position papers on sign languages emphasize that deaf children who receive multilingual education in a high-quality education system have a better chance of achieving academic success and becoming active citizens and full members of society. Deaf people should not be denied the choice of an education system that supports and respects their cultural and linguistic identity, respects the diversity of their experiences and choices, and that maximizes their linguistic, academic, social and, in the long term, economic outcomes. Early exposure to sign language and multilingualism, combined with strong family support for sign language, best prepares deaf children for their future effective participation in society.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	sign languages, sign language users, World Federation of the Deaf, deaf rights, deaf children, multilingual education
Subjects:	Science and knowledge. Organization. Computer science. Information. Documentation. Librarianship. Institutions. Publications > 3 Social Sciences > 37 Education > 376 Education, teaching, training of special groups of persons. Special schools > 376.3 Виховання та освіта осіб із вадами зору, слуху, мови та нервовими захворюваннями. Science and knowledge. Organization. Computer science. Information. Documentation. Librarianship. Institutions. Publications > 8 Language. Linguistics. Literature > 81 Linguistics and languages
Divisions:	Mykola Yarmachenko Institute of special education and psychology of National academy of educational sciences of Ukraine > Department of Ukrainian Sign Language
Depositing User:	м.н.с Геннадій Васильович Міськов
Date Deposited:	27 Jun 2025 09:01
Last Modified:	27 Jun 2025 09:01
URI:	https://lib.iitta.gov.ua/id/eprint/745817

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