[1][2] In 2018, it was celebrated together with the official International Day of Sign Languages, declared by the United Nations (UN),[3] for the first time.The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), its national associations, and their affiliates all over the world observe International Week of the Deaf from Monday through Sunday, culminating in International Day of the Deaf on the final Sunday of the week.
[4] In order to commemorate International Week of the Deaf, the WFD invites its national associations and their affiliates to center their celebrations on the theme of Human Rights through Sign Languages.
For instance, the NAD participated in the Midwest DeaFest, which four state associations of the deaf jointly sponsored in August 2009.
Affiliate organizations or other groups may also have Deaf Festivals on a specific day or month (such as April).
[4] Previous events held in the United States include performances by performing artists, seminars, exhibitions of art, film festivals, historical displays, Deaf Festivals, booths in nearby malls, and cultural activities held in conjunction with sporting events.