On October 23rd, three Irish Deaf people made history by becoming the first Irish Sign Language (ISL) user graduates of the Dublin City University (DCU). This achievement was made possible by a program introduced in 2019, which allowed Deaf and hard-of-hearing students who use ISL to be able to study at the university. At their graduation ceremony, DCU used the ISL version of its anthem for the first time to show support and inclusivity, and they plan to continue this tradition at future ceremonies. The three graduates, Kevin Dudley, Aimee Ennis McLoughlin, and Aisling O’Halloran, are now qualified primary school teachers and have already begun working in the classroom as teachers with Deaf children at Holy Family School for Deaf Children in Cabra, Dublin.

A man named Kubjoza Lugaria became involved in Deaf awareness week in September by biking 961 kilometers from Mbeya to Teyia. He is 34 years old and has garnered inspiration from everyone who followed him. He wanted to promote the idea that individuals with disabilities and hearing loss are capable of accomplishing anything they set their minds to. The government, stakeholders, and companies involved were all impressed by his performance despite the difficulties he faced during the voyage. In 2003, he became Deaf after observing his mother consume medication that he mistook for a sweet and proceeded to take himself. He currently works as a chef, and on top of that, he endeavors to encourage others to cycle. The Deaf Association supports this initiative. He intends to increase his cycling in the future so that hearing members will recognize him.

In South Africa, this is how we sign it: WITS is the name of the university, and the Centre for Deaf Studies is its designation. The facility debuted in 1998. The objective is to advance education in Deaf schools through preparatory lectures for students on how to teach Deaf education. By doing so, they will be equipped to apply their knowledge and skills in Deaf schools, ensuring that Deaf children receive the highest quality of education possible. Since they have turned 25 years old, they are currently celebrating for a month beginning in September.

Justin Edgar is a hard-of-hearing British filmmaker who often includes people with disabilities in his films. He recently produced a unique film titled “The Letter,” directed by Sam Dore, which features an entire cast and crew of Deaf artists. This 30-minute film explores the experiences and the impact on the Deaf communities in Germany during World War II in 1933. The screenplay, written by Deaf author Julian Peedle-Calloo, vividly portrays the struggles of Deaf people who resisted Nazi oppression during the war. While the film is based on true stories, fictionalized characters are used to delve into the narrative of a Deaf regiment of stormtroopers and the rise of the Nazi-controlled social organization for Deaf individuals, known as the Reich Union of the Deaf of Germany.

Kampala, Uganda recently hosted the country’s first festival to provide sign language interpreters. The Bell Lager ObaFest beer festival celebrated the diversity of East African cultures. The primary goal was to showcase the region’s diversity, including music, art, fashion, and various activities with beer. The attendees entered the festival welcomely with colorful displays representing different African cultures.