The World Federation of the Deafblind (WFDB) proudly participated in the First International Professional Conference on Deafblind Language Interpreting, held in Ljubljana, Slovenia, on 30 June 2026. The conference brought together researchers, interpreters, professionals, and representatives of deafblind organisations from 12 countriesto exchange knowledge and strengthen international cooperation in the field of deafblind communication.
Representing WFDB, President Sanja Tarczay, PhD, delivered a presentation on “Interpreting for People with Deafblindness and Their Rights,” highlighting the essential role of accessible communication and qualified interpreting in ensuring the human rights, participation, and self-determination of people with deafblindness.
A key outcome of the conference was the adoption of the Ljubljana Memorandum 2026 on the Development of Deafblind Language Interpreting, a landmark international document establishing shared principles for advancing deafblind language interpreting through research, education, professional standards, and international cooperation. The Memorandum also recognises the importance of the language of people with deafblindness as a foundation for accessible communication and equal participation.
WFDB welcomes this important initiative and the collaborative efforts of all partners involved. We extend our sincere congratulations to the organisers, Združenje gluhoslepih Slovenije DLAN and Association of Interpreters for Deafblind Slovenia TAKTIL, for bringing together the international deafblind community to shape the future of this profession.
The Ljubljana Memorandum 2026 is available below: