The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) is an international non-governmental organisation representing approximately 70 million Deaf people worldwide. It is estimated that more than 80 percent of these 70 million live in developing countries, where authorities are rarely familiar with their needs or desires.
Recognised by the United Nations (UN) as their spokes-organisation, WFD works closely with the UN and its various agencies in promoting the human rights of Deaf people in accordance with the principles and objectives of the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other general acts and recommendations of the UN and its specialised agencies.
When necessary, WFD uses special, legal or administrative measures to ensure that Deaf people in every country have the right to preserve their own sign languages, organisations, and cultural and other activities. Most important among WFD priorities are Deaf people in developing countries; the right to sign language; and equal opportunity in all spheres of life, including access to education and information.
What is World Federation of the Deaf (WFD)?
Recognised by the United Nations (UN) as their spokes-organisation, WFD works closely with the UN and its various agencies in promoting the human rights of Deaf people in accordance with the principles and objectives of the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other general acts and recommendations of the UN and its specialised agencies.
When necessary, WFD uses special, legal or administrative measures to ensure that Deaf people in every country have the right to preserve their own sign languages, organisations, and cultural and other activities. Most important among WFD priorities are Deaf people in developing countries; the right to sign language; and equal opportunity in all spheres of life, including access to education and information.
The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) is an international, non-governmental central organisation of national associations of Deaf people. WFD has a policy of closely collaborating with its member organisations. This close interaction ensures that WFD’s work truly reflects the best interests of Deaf people, by having member input from planning through implementation and follow-up. WFD also gives its member organisations encouragement and support in their own efforts and offers its expertise when organisations are launching new projects.
Where is the headquarters located?
Helsinki, Finland in the headquarters of the Finnish Association of the Deaf
When was WFD founded?
1951
What is the organization’s focus?
Human, Civil, and Linguistic rights of Deaf people.
What is Deaf Rights?
To improve
- The status of sign languages
- Education for Deaf people
- Access to information and services
- Human rights for Deaf people in developing countries
Is sign language the same all over the world?
No. Each language is unique with distinct culture expressed by visible hand gestures. Just as spoken languages have evolved throughout the world, various signed languages have also emerged in different parts of the world. The languages may differ from region to region and country to country.
Is it OK to use the term “deaf-mute”, “deaf and dumb” or “hearing impaired” in reference to a deaf person who can’t talk?
No, it’s no longer an acceptable term.
An Individual Member of the WFD contributes to organisation's daily work which deals with supporting and strengthening deaf associations, organizing human rights trainings, advancing deaf people's rights in the United Nations human rights system, spreading information on the Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities(CRPD), producing material in sign language and much more. 