World Federation of the Deaf celebrates 75th anniversary in Rome

The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) celebrated its 75th anniversary in Rome with events held from September 23 to 26. The celebrations commemorated the federation's founding in Rome on September 23, 1951. The WFD currently represents deaf communities across 138 countries.

Organized by the Ente Nazionale Sordi (ENS), the event focused on the theme “Affirming the human rights of the Deaf.” The program included international conferences regarding sign language recognition, accessibility, and future challenges for the community. The official opening took place at the Chamber of Deputies.

The anniversary coincided with the International Day of Sign Languages, a United Nations-recognized day aimed at promoting the legal recognition of over 200 sign languages worldwide. To mark the occasion, the “Blue light for sign languages” initiative was launched, involving the illumination of buildings and monuments in blue, a color symbolizing the historical struggle for equality and human rights by deaf communities.