The WFD President made opening remarks at the International Congress on the Education of the Deaf (ICED) in Rome, Italy.
Opening remarks
Our last ICED in Italy was in 1880, in Milan. The infamous Milan Congress that sought to ban sign languages for deaf children. Some people in the room today still keep to the ethos of Milan. Sign languages later, last, or not at all. To them I say: let go. Let the shambling remnants oralism disappear into the dust of history . Because we know today 14 generations of deaf children have experienced language deprivation. They’ve experienced physical abuse, hands being tied down and slaps. They’ve experienced psychological abuse – shame for using a natural human language- the over 200 unique and distinct natural national sign languages in the world.
How many of you have been denied your right to sign?
Deaf children have been deprived of their most fundamental – the most basic human right of all- the right to a language.
And now, 145 years later. Here in Rome, it is time to say no more.
No more will deaf children be forced into a false choice – give deaf children all the languages of their country. Because all deaf children thrive when they’re given full access to sign languages. No more will we listen to people who say hearing parents can’t learn to sign. Because with my own eyes I have seen that they can! Give all hearing family members free instruction in their national sign languages. Let every parent be able to tell their child how much they love them.
Do you agree? Sign up for sign language as a fundamental human right. This week, the WFD is here to learn, but also to educate. We have been working with the Italian. Hosts – who deserve a round of applause for their commitment to deaf equity and access at this event – and ENS, as the WFD has drafted a Declaration that you will be responsible for signing. A Declaration that once and for all, we will bury the 1880 resolutions. This Declaration will be launched at the Closing Ceremony, and at the closing ceremony, Friday morning, you will have the opportunity to sign it. You will have the opportunity to sign for a better future for all deaf children. To sign for a world where our national sign langue’s are accepted and understood as part of the linguistic ecology of every nation on Earth
To sign your commitment for a world where deaf people everywhere can sign anywhere.
