To the Felag heyrnarlausra – the Icelandic Association of the Deaf,

• congratulations on the recognition of the Icelandic Sign Language as one of the two official languages of Iceland
• a great result of relentless, active and excellent work done by the Icelandic Association of the Deaf and the deaf and hard of hearing community together with all other sign language users and other supporters.
• the status of over forty (40) Sign Languages has been secured by legislation around the world. Some of them are recognised in constitution.
• There is a clear link between recognition of Sign Language and human rights of Deaf people. If Sign Language has been accepted and recognised in legislation and all spheres of life, the human rights of Deaf People and hard of hearing have been greatly improved.

Thus, the recognition is a remarkable step for all the Icelandic deaf and hard of hearing but also a significant acknowledgement for the whole deaf and hard of hearing community by highlighting the importance of the protection of linguistic rights and also by showing a great example for many countries still lacking this kind of recognition.