Deaf people have the right to full access to information and communications as provided for in the CRPD. This means that information and communication across all areas of life should be accessible – for example in health, education, employment, access to justice, public services, political participation or information in an emergency or natural disaster. However deaf people are often deprived of their rights to access information and communications due to poor accessibility, and lack of information in sign languages.

The WFD advocates for accessible information by:

• Lobbying for provision of International Sign in the United Nations webcasted programs and ensuring accessibility worldwide.
• Lobbying the United Nations and other stakeholders to translate written materials into International Sign
• Developing and disseminating statements, position papers, and other documents to highlight the WFD’s views about importance of accessible information

Much of the WFD and WASLI advocacy work is in the international forums. In all these platforms, International Sign is the primary mode of communication. Since its inaugural appearance at the WFD Congress in 1987, demand for International Sign Interpreting has grown over time. To meet this increasing demand, the WFD collaborates with WASLI in overseeing the Accreditation of practitioners. With the Accreditation, coordination of acquiring International Sign Interpreters for deaf consumers in the international forums is greatly streamlined. Deaf consumers in the international arena can now be assured of having International Sign Interpreters, who are qualified and competent. This reduces the challenges within the procedure to contact the accredited International Sign Interpreters. Learn more here.