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FAQ

What is World Federation of the Deaf (WFD)?

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.

Deaf-Mute:

“Mute” means silent and without voice.  This label is technically inaccurate, since deaf and hard of hearing people generally have functioning vocal chords.  Because deaf and hard of hearing people use various methods of communication other than or in addition to using their voices, they are not truly mute.  True communication occurs when one’s message is understood by others, and they can respond in kind.

Deaf and Dumb

A relic from the medieval English era, this is the granddaddy of all negative labels pinned on deaf and hard of hearing people.  The Greek philosopher, Aristotle, pronounced us “deaf and dumb,” because he felt that deaf people were incapable of being taught, of learning, and of reasoned thinking.  To his way of thinking, if a person could not use his/her voice in the same way as hearing people, then there was no way that this person could develop cognitive abilities.  (Source: Deaf Heritage, by Jack Gannon, 1980)

In later years, “dumb” came to mean “silent.”  This definition still persists, because that is how people see deaf people.  The term is offensive to deaf and hard of hearing people for a number of reasons.  One, deaf and hard of hearing people are by no means “silent” at all.  They use sign language, lip-reading, vocalizations, and so on to communicate.  Communication is not reserved for hearing people alone, and using one’s voice is not the only way to communicate.  Two, “dumb” also has a second meaning:  stupid.  Deaf and hard of hearing people have encountered plenty of people who subscribe to the philosophy that if you cannot use your voice well, you don’t have much else “upstairs,” and have nothing going for you.  Obviously, this is incorrect, ill-informed, and false.  Deaf and hard of hearing people have repeatedly proved that they have much to contribute to the society at large.

Hearing Impaired:

The term “hearing-impaired” is often viewed as negative.  The term focuses on what people can’t do.  It establishes the standard as “hearing” and anything different as “impaired,” or substandard, hindered, or damaged.  It implies that something is not as it should be and ought to be fixed if possible.  To be fair, this is probably not what people intended to convey by the term “hearing impaired.”

For many people, DEAF and HARD OF HEARING are acceptable terms to use.

Source: National Association of the Deaf, United States

How can I become a member of World Federation of the Deaf (WFD)?

There are three categories of membership within the WFD:

  • Individual Members – Anyone desiring to support WFD and its activities may join as Individual Members upon payment of a fee.  Such members are entitled to WFD information and other membership privileges such as having a cheaper registration fee to the World Congress.
  • Associate Members – Any national or regional organisation or institution (hearing- or deaf-run) which does not meet the criteria to become an OM, or cannot become an OM because there is already one in existence in their country, can apply for Associate Membership. Organisations in this category shall be called Associate Members or AMs. AMs must support the aims of WFD and must submit a letter in support of their application from their Ordinary Member. If no Ordinary Member exists in their country, they may be granted a special Associate Membership
  • Ordinary Members – Only national organisations of Deaf people with a clear majority of Deaf voting members, a governing board with a majority of Deaf persons and goals similar to the above-described aims are eligible for admission to the Ordinary Membership category. They have the right to vote at the WFD General Assembly, which occur every four years before the WFD World Congress.

Does fees apply?
Yes.

Does WFD have Youth Section?
Yes. Check www.wfdys.com out

How can I be involved with WFD?
You may contact us and we can provide you the listings of local organisations that are affiliated with WFD then you can contact them directly to see how you can help them.