No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights
22 - 28 September 2025
NWDP 2025 DAILY THEMES
Deaf Australia is proud to host the 2025 National Week of Deaf People (NWDP).
We are using the same theme and daily topics as the World Federation of the Deaf’s International Week of Deaf People (IWDP).
Together, we show that sign language rights are fundamental human rights of Deaf people.
Monday 22 September| Deaf Communities Leading
Deaf-led alliances, in collaboration with governments and other organisations, play a vital role in advancing sign language rights. Following the motto ‘nothing about us without us’, true progress comes from partnerships where deaf people lead and others support them as committed allies.
Tuesday 23 September| No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights
All people have an inherent right to human rights from birth. For deaf people, sign language rights are fundamental for the full enjoyment of their human rights. As we look at the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we recognise progress made and the challenges that remain in ensuring equality for all. We recognise that our achievements are leading us towards our goal: a world where deaf people everywhere can sign anywhere.
Wednesday 24 September| Multilingual Education for Deaf Learners
The WFD advocates for the implementation of Article 24 of the CRPD, which requires that deaf learners receive education in environments that are both linguistically and culturally appropriate: quality inclusive multilingual settings alongside other deaf peers.
Thursday 25 September| Deaf Rights in Crises
Deaf communities must be part of disaster planning through leadership and collaboration. Using national sign languages and deaf-centred strategies strengthens crisis response. Article 11 of the UNCRPD and the Sendai Framework require states and organisations to ensure that deaf people have access to information in sign language during emergencies.
WFD WASLI guidelines on access to information in Sign Language during Emergency broadcasts
Friday 26 September| Recognition of National Sign Language
Legal recognition of national sign languages is essential to uphold the rights of deaf people. Under Article 21 of UNCRPD, governments must officially recognise the national sign language
To secure the right to sign languages, it is essential for governments to comply with the UN CRPD article 21 by legally recognising their national sign languages. By implementing its use across all areas of life, we can ensure that deaf people actively participate in society.
Saturday 27 September| Sign Language Access Services
Deaf people have the right to choose their language access services, including national sign language or International Sign, based on their personal preferences and needs. States and event organisers must consult with deaf participants early, ensuring adequate funding for professional sign language interpreters and associated costs. Proper planning and budgeting for interpretation services are crucial to ensure effective and inclusive participation.
Position Paper on the Right to Choose Sign Language Interpretation
Sunday 28 September| Set the Basis for the Future: Together We can Innovate, Inspire and Impact!
Deaf communities are innovative communities! Our diverse intersectional global communities, found in every country on Earth, consisting of deaf people from different backgrounds and life experiences, are innovators! We have multiple opportunities to impact technological change. The future of our technology starts with our knowledge, drawn from our diverse communities, working together to shape the future we want. Together, we will innovate, inspire and create a world where deaf people everywhere can sign anywhere!


What is National Week of Deaf People?
The National Week of Deaf People (NWDP) is a week-long national celebration of Deaf individuals and the Australian Deaf community, which includes celebrating the International Week of Deaf People (IWDP) and International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL) which are initiatives of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD). These two events are traditionally held during September and are based on the founding date of the WFD (23 September 1951). is an opportunity for Deaf people to celebrate their communities, language, culture and history; make the public aware of their local, state and national Deaf communities; and to recognise their achievements.
It is also an opportunity for organisations involved with or wishing to be involved with the Deaf Community to build and maintain relationships with Deaf people and be recognised as an ally to the Deaf community.
Download Our Logos
There are some logos available for you to download and use them to promote the wonderful event in order to celebrate our language and culture.