Dear WASLI Members:
International Week of the Deaf, 2017 will be celebrated from the 18th-24th of September 2017. We congratulate the World Federation of the Deaf on launching this wonderful week of celebrations that highlight the human rights of deaf people. The theme, with Full Inclusion with Sign Language, emphasises the importance of sign language. Your work as an interpreter is also important in supporting the recognition of sign language in your country and working as an ally in your county.
One thing I have chosen to do as we celebrate this week is to make a donation in my home community to a fundraising auction for the local Deaf association. At the international level, I have made a donation that helps sponsor deaf women from developing countries through the Dr Liisa Kauppinen Fund – why not join me by contributing to your local and international Deaf communities?
This week join us in the celebrations by visiting our WASLI Facebook page for greetings from some of our members. And, please visit the official IWD 2017 website at https://wfdeaf.org/iwd2017-full-inclusion-with-sign-language/ to learn more about #InternationalWeekoftheDeaf2017.
Happy International Week of the Deaf!
Debra Russell
WASLI President
