During the 17th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the CRPD (CoSP17) from June 11-13, 2024, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, the World Federation of the Deafblind (WFDB) launched an initiative urging the United Nations General Assembly to officially recognize June 27th as the International Day of Deafblindness. This milestone aims to elevate global awareness of deafblindness as a unique disability and reinforce national efforts toward its legal recognition.
Why June 27th?
June 27th marks the birth of Helen Keller in 1880, a renowned figure in disability and women’s rights activism. Many countries commemorate this day, and the last week of June is recognized as Deafblind International Awareness Week. Helen Keller was the first deafblind person to earn a university degree in the United States.
United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD)
Deafblindness is explicitly mentioned in Article 24, Point 3(c) of the CRPD:
“Ensuring that the education of persons, and in particular children, who are blind, deaf or deafblind, is delivered in the most appropriate languages and modes and means of communication for the individual, and in environments which maximize academic and social development.”
The CRPD Committee has further acknowledged deafblindness in various General Comments and Concluding Observations. For example, General Comment No. 2 on Article 9: Accessibility provides further clarity on states’ obligations to enable persons with deafblindness to access information, communication and other services in order to live independently and to effectively participate in society.
Based on this recognition in international law, as well as the recognition of deafblindness as a distinct disability in the legislation of many countries, states have an obligation to acknowledge and respond to the requirements of persons with deafblindness across legislation, policy, programmes and budgets.
Official recognition of deafblindness
WFDB advocates for the official recognition of deafblindness as a distinct disability by states as well as other international, national and sub-national actors. Recognition is crucial to address gaps in statistics, policies, programs, and services, ensuring comprehensive support for individuals with deafblindness.
In 2017, WFDB and Sense International surveyed their members about the official recognition of deafblindness and available support in their country. From the 50 countries for which data was available, 19 (37%) officially recognise deafblindness as a distinct disability. Examples include Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Spain and Belgium. The survey also indicated that countries that do officially recognise deafblindness as a distinct disability and/or have a definition of deafblindness are more likely to provide specific support services. This is particularly the case in low and middle income countries.
More information can be found on our 1st Global Report on Deafblindness (2018).
Objectives
The campaign aims to:
- Achieve universal recognition of deafblindness as a unique and distinct disability, including in international classifications.
- Raise awareness among member states regarding their obligations towards persons with deafblindness under the CRPD.
- Boost the official recognition of deafblindness as a unique disability in law and practice by member states.
- Raise awareness about the specific situation and requirements of persons with deafblindness.
Support and Endorsements
We are pleased to announce that the Government of Croatia has committed to leading this initiative. To this end, on September 27, 2024, Mr. Andrej Plenković, Prime Minister, highlighted the campaign during his address at the General Debate of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Get Involved
If you or your organization are interested in supporting this initiative or have suggestions for our campaign, please contact us at communication@wfdb.eu
Relevant documents
WFDB’s manifesto for the International Day of Deafblindness 2024.