Dear Editor,
On the occasion of the International Day of Sign Languages on 23rd September, as proclaimed as an annual event by the United Nations in 2017, the Deaf Association of Guyana Inc. (DAG) wishes anew to bring to the attention of all stakeholders the importance of sign language in the realization of the human rights of people who are deaf. The theme of this first International Day of Sign Languages ‘With Sign Language Everyone is Included’ speaks to the need for full inclusion of deaf people and respect for their linguistic identity; it acknowledges that early access to sign language is vital to the growth and development of the deaf individual and critical to the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals. In Guyana we have made only very modest strides in elevating the status of Guyana Sign Language (GSL) to the benefit of deaf children, youth and adults. The theme of the International Day of Sign Languages urges us to do better.
Yours faithfully,
Sabine McIntosh
Managing Director
Deaf Association of Guyana Inc
