NDP Leader Peter Tabuns and MPP Lise Vaugeois mark the United Nations International Day of Sign Languages

TORONTO AND THUNDER BAY — Ontario NDP Leader Peter Tabuns and MPP Lise Vaugeois, critic for Persons with Disabilities and Accessibilities, released the following statement to mark the United Nations International Day of Sign Languages:

“Today, as we celebrate the United Nations International Day of Sign Languages, we’re taking time to reflect on the importance of sign languages in achieving equity for people who are Deaf and for all, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goal of ‘leaving no one behind.’

We recognize the integral role sign languages play in the growth, well-being and self-actualization of members of the Deaf community in this province and throughout the world. This day is also to remind us that sign languages play an important role in expressing the cultural and individual identities of people who are Deaf.

Moving beyond words to action, the Ontario NDP is calling on the Government of Ontario to proclaim Sept. 23 of each year the International Day of Sign Languages.”