On December 19, 2017, the UN General Assembly designated September 23 as the International Day of Sign Languages, first observed in 2018. The date marks the anniversary of the founding of the World Federation of the Deaf in 1951, an international NGO promoting the human rights of deaf people worldwide. More than 300 sign languages are in use around the world today, each a complete and independent language with its own grammar, not merely a set of helpful gestures. The day raises awareness of sign language as an essential means of communication for deaf people, and of the need to ensure their access to education, services, and full participation in society without discrimination. The day is marked with educational and cultural events organized by deaf associations worldwide, including public sign language workshops, performances in sign language, and campaigns urging governments to formally recognize national sign languages and provide interpreters in public services.