Declaring Deaf People's Human Rights
WFD Conference – 24 & 25 September 2026
The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) invites submissions for its 75th Anniversary Conference, marking a historic milestone in global deaf leadership and advocacy.
This conference will bring together researchers, practitioners, advocates, and deaf community leaders to reflect on our shared history and strengthen future action.
We invite contributions in the form of signed or spoken presentations, as well as posters, on the following themes:
CALL FOR CONTRIBUTIONS
- Deaf History and WFD Legacy
This theme explores the histories of deaf communities and the global deaf movement, including the development of WFD since 1951. Contributions may highlight key milestones, leadership, and narratives that have shaped deaf rights and international cooperation.
- Human Rights and Advocacy
This theme focuses on advancing deaf people’s human rights through international frameworks such as the CRPD and engagement with global mechanisms. It also includes emerging areas such as Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and ensuring deaf inclusion in humanitarian and development contexts.
- Sign Language Rights
This theme addresses the recognition, protection, and promotion of sign languages as fundamental to deaf people’s human rights. It includes implementation in education, public services, and society, as well as early access to sign language for deaf children.
- Visibility, Campaigns, and Digital Communication
This theme highlights strategies to increase the visibility of deaf people, sign languages, and deaf culture globally. It includes innovative practices in IWDP and IDSL celebrations, as well as the growing role of AI, digital platforms, media, and visual communication.
- Data, Research, and Evidence
This theme focuses on strengthening evidence to support advocacy, including data collection, disaggregation, and research on deaf communities and sign languages. Contributions may explore how data can influence policy, monitor progress, and support rights-based approaches.
- Organisations, Capacity, and Intersectionality
This theme explores strengthening deaf organisations and leadership at national, regional, and global levels. It emphasizes capacity building, sustainability, and intersectional approaches that reflect the diversity of deaf communities.
SUBMISSION FORMATS
We welcome:
- Academic papers
- Practice-based presentations
- Posters
- Short films or visual presentations
CONFERENCE FORMAT
- In-person conference
- International Sign, LIS (Italian Sign Language), English captions and Italian captions.
IMPORTANT DATES
- Submission deadline: 15 April 2026
- Notification of acceptance: 30 April 2026
We welcome:
- Academic papers
- Practice-based presentations
- Posters
- Short films or visual presentations
CONFERENCE FORMAT
- In-person conference
- International Sign, LIS (Italian Sign Language), English captions and Italian captions.
IMPORTANT DATES
- Submission deadline: 15 April 2026
- Notification of acceptance: 30 April 2026
CONFERENCE FORMAT
- In-person conference
- International Sign, LIS (Italian Sign Language), English captions and Italian captions.
IMPORTANT DATES
- Submission deadline: 15 April 2026
- Notification of acceptance: 30 April 2026
At least one of the authors must register for the conference. Please note that all contributions, including posters, will be presented in person.
Questions and Inquiries about the submission: audrey.sangla@wfdeaf.org and wfd75-rome@ens.it
Welcome
Seventy-five years after the WFD was founded in Rome on 23 September 1951, this two-day conference marks a historic milestone in our global movement and a day of celebration. Under the theme “Declaring Deaf People’s Human Rights,” we invite participants from around the world to reflect on past achievements, address present challenges, and shape a future where the human rights of deaf people are fully recognized and upheld.
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