World Federation of the Deaf

The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), is an international non-governmental organisation established in 1951, representing and promoting approximately 70 million deaf people's human rights worldwide through 137 national organisations of deaf people. Our mission is to promote the human rights of deaf people and full, quality, and equal access to all spheres of life, including self-determination, sign language, education, employment, and community life. The WFD has a consultative status in the United Nations and was part of the drafting process of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Additionally, the  WFD is a founding member of the International Disability Alliance (IDA). 

Our vision is “Deaf people everywhere can sign anywhere”. Following this vision, we are working for the recognition, protection and fulfilment of the Sign Language Rights for all deaf people, especially in the Global South.