First International WFD Conference – smaller scale than the World Congress – is held in Helsinki, Finland.

WFD joins the Ad Hoc Committee in negotiating the text of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

UNESCO’s “Salamanca Statement and Framework for Action on Special Needs Education” recognises Deaf children’s right to sign language in education.

The United Nations General Assembly adopts “The Standard Rules for the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities”, deaf people’s right to education in sign language and access to interpreting services is recognized.

The United Nations and the World Health Organisation both grant WFD consultative status