Sign Languages Act
A transformative piece of legislation that recognizes the vital role of sign languages in government support. Our mission revolves around advocating, rallying support, and working closely with government authorities to ensure the enactment of this crucial Act. Be part of this historic endeavor to secure official recognition for sign languages, paving the way for a more inclusive and accessible society for Deaf, DeafBlind and hard-of-hearing individuals.
Proclamations of sign languages
Stand with us as we champion the proclamation of the UN International Day of Sign Language across cities in Ontario. Our dedicated committee tirelessly works to inspire and engage communities in recognizing the significance of this global event, fostering a greater understanding of sign languages and Deaf Culture throughout the province. Join our mission to unite Ontario under the banner of sign language proclamation, creating a more inclusive and awareness-driven society for all
Promoting the Proclamation of UN International Day of Sign Languages
We hosted our workshop Wednesday, October 11th at 7pm. We amed to prepare for the upcoming year and encoursge mroe cities to jon our cause. Contact our committee chairs, Leah Riddell (OCSD), Travis Morgan (OAD) and Denise Read (ASOF) if you have any questions. Those who missed it can watch below.
Promotion de la proclamation de la Journée internationale des langues des signes de l'ONU
Nous avons organisé notre atelier le mercredi 11 octobre à 19h. Nous visons à nous préparer pour l'année à venir et à encourager davantage de villes à rejoindre notre cause. Contactez nos présidents de comité, Leah Riddell (OCSD), Travis Morgan (OAD) et Denise Read (ASOF), si vous avez des questions. Ceux qui l'ont manqué peuvent regarder ci-dessous.
Click on LEARN MORE to see PowerPoint
Seek Proclamation on your city hall website, add International Day of Sign Languages Proclamation information as shown on right below. If city staff did not follow up about your registering for proclamation, copy and edit council letter to send to your councillor to move the proclamation forward at the council meeting. If you do not have a charity organization, reach out to OCSD/ODSF to work with you to provide support needed. MUST include OCSD and CCSD on proclamation.
copy and edit council letter
(Your name)
(Your address)
To Your Worship, (your Mayor’s name) of the Municipality of (your town or city), Ontario
My name is (input your name) and I am a Deaf member of your community. I am writing to encourage the Municipality of (input your town or city) to adopt the Sign Language Proclamation attached to this letter for the International Deaf People Week of September 17th to the 23rd 2023. It is my desire to see this as an annual event, proclaiming the International Deaf People Week.
Adopting the Proclamation would help to combat a serious concern in our community; the issue of language deprivation. This subject has been a major barrier for successful integration of Deaf people in our society. It is the Deaf Community’s highest hopes that widespread awareness of Sign Languages will help foster growth in a visual language that allows more people to be able to access our municipality. Municipal services have the most direct impact on our day to day life and addressing this barrier at your level would go a long way in developing an inclusive, accessible community.
I encourage you to reach out to Leah Riddell of the Ontario Cultural Society of the Deaf for further information and educational materials on the cultural, linguistic and community aspects of a marginalized segment of our community.
Thank you for taking your time to read this letter,
(Your name)
Illuminate
A request on the city website needs to be made two weeks in advance of the illumination date (aim for 2024).
International day of sign languages proclamation
September 23, 2023, as International Day of Sign Languages
WHEREAS; Deaf and signing (your city people) are represented by their local organization, (your local organization), which is a member of Tri-O - Ontario Cultural Society of the Deaf, Canada Cultural Society of the Deaf - Sign Language Institute Canada and
WHEREAS; the United Nations resolution declare September 23 as International Day of Sign Languages was officially adopted as the 72nd General Assembly on December 19, 2017, and
WHEREAS; the International Day of Sign Languages will take place on September 23, 2023 as part of the International Week of Deaf People, which is celebrated from September 18 to 24, 2023. The theme for this year, as promoted by the World Federation of the Deaf is, “A World Where Deaf People can Sign Anywhere”, and
WHEREAS; local Deaf and signing communities across (your city) wish to encourage (your city people) to participate in activities promoting Deaf and sign language cultural awareness and human rights of Deaf people throughout the world, and
WHEREAS; the City of (Your city) has stated its vision and commitment to make our society a truly accessible and inclusive one by recognizing the value and contribution that people with disabilities and Deaf persons make to our workplaces, communities and economy;
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I, (your mayor name), Mayor of the City of (your city), do hereby proclaim September 23, 2023, as “UN International Day of Sign Languages.”
Flag Raising
For flag raising, requests need to be filled out on the city website and requests received two weeks in advance for the date on which the flag raising is requested and be sure to request Mayor and VIP to be present separately