Hearing loss, disabilities and wellness are shared human experiences. Here is how countries around the world recognise sign languages, protect disability rights and support whole-person health.
1.3 billion
people — about 1 in 6 — live with a significant disability
Source: World Health OrganizationEvery country below has ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Source: UN Treaty Collection — Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Sign language: American Sign Language (ASL) and Langue des signes québécoise (LSQ)
The Accessible Canada Act (2019) aims for a barrier-free Canada by 2040 and recognises ASL, LSQ and Indigenous sign languages as the primary languages of deaf people in Canada.
Source: Justice Laws Website (Government of Canada)Sign language: Mexican Sign Language (LSM)
Mexican law recognises Mexican Sign Language as a national language and part of the nation’s linguistic heritage.
Source: Government of Mexico (CONADIS)Sign language: Brazilian Sign Language (Libras)
Law 10.436 of 2002 recognised Libras as a legal means of communication.
Source: Planalto (Presidency of Brazil)The Brazilian Inclusion Law of 2015 set out rights for people with disabilities in health, education, work and accessibility.
Source: Planalto (Presidency of Brazil)Sign language: British Sign Language (BSL)
The Equality Act 2010 protects disabled people from discrimination at work, in education and in public services.
Source: legislation.gov.ukThe British Sign Language Act 2022 recognised BSL as a language of England, Wales and Scotland.
Source: legislation.gov.ukSign language: Irish Sign Language (ISL)
The Irish Sign Language Act 2017 recognised ISL and requires public bodies to provide free interpreting for their services.
Source: Irish Statute BookSign language: Ukrainian Sign Language
War injuries — including blast-related hearing damage — have greatly increased the need for rehabilitation, which the World Health Organization is helping Ukraine expand.
Source: World Health Organization — UkraineSign language: Nigerian Sign Language
The Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018 created the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities.
Source: National Commission for Persons with DisabilitiesAndrew Foster, the first Black graduate of Gallaudet, opened his first school for deaf children in Nigeria in 1960.
Source: TimecyclopediaSign language: Kenyan Sign Language
Kenya’s 2010 Constitution directs the state to promote the development and use of Kenyan Sign Language.
Source: Kenya Law Reform CommissionSign language: South African Sign Language (SASL)
In 2023, South African Sign Language became the country’s 12th official language.
Source: Parliament of South AfricaSign language: Indian Sign Language (ISL)
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 expanded the recognised disabilities to 21 conditions.
Source: Department of Empowerment of Persons with DisabilitiesThe Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre develops ISL dictionaries and trains interpreters.
Source: ISLRTC (Government of India)Sign language: Japanese Sign Language (JSL)
Japan’s Act for Eliminating Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities requires reasonable accommodation from government and businesses.
Source: Cabinet Office, Government of JapanThe Japanese Federation of the Deaf has advocated for deaf people’s rights and Japanese Sign Language since 1947.
Source: Japanese Federation of the DeafSign language: Auslan (Australian Sign Language)
The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 makes disability discrimination unlawful across work, education and services.
Source: Federal Register of LegislationThe National Disability Insurance Scheme funds supports for Australians with permanent and significant disability.
Source: NDIS