A University of Arkansas at Little Rock interpretation instructor is urging the university community to celebrate International Week of the Deaf.

“Recognition and celebration of Deaf Awareness Week will strengthen cross-cultural bonds and provide insight into Deaf people and their culture,” said Raphael “Ray” James, a senior instructor in the UA Little Rock Interpreter Education Program.

The last week of September celebrates deaf awareness throughout the world. More than 70 million people around the globe use sign languages to communicate. This year’s theme is “Sign Language Rights For All.”

Each day of the week recognizes sign language rights for a specific group of Deaf individuals, including:

Monday, Sept. 23 – Sign Language Rights for All

Tuesday, Sept. 24 – Sign Language Rights for All Children

Wednesday, Sept. 25 – Sign Language Rights for All Deaf Senior Citizens

Thursday, Sept. 26 – Sign Language Rights for Deafblind People and Deaf People with Disabilities

Friday, Sept. 27 – Sign Language Rights for Deaf Women

Saturday, Sept. 28 – Sign Language Rights for Deaf LGBTIQA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, and asexual)

Sunday, Sept. 29 – Sign Language Rights for All Deaf Refugees

For more information, visit the World Federation of the Deaf website.

In the upper right photo, interpreter Gwenyth Sutphin translates during a freshmen convocation event. Photo by Ben Krain.