National Week of Deaf People

National Week of Deaf People (NWDP) is a week-long national celebration the Australian Deaf Community during the third week of September.

It's held at the same time as International Week of Deaf People (IWDP) and International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL), which is based on the founding date of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) on 23 September 1951.

The Western Australian Association of the Deaf (WAAD) has been holding a week long celebration for the Deaf Community during NWDP since 2000. This has included guest speakers, community events, competitions, and free resources such as Auslan posters. All events during these celebrations are accessible in Auslan and English.

NWDP is an opportunity for Deaf people to celebrate Auslan, their community, culture and history, and recognise the achievements of Deaf Australians.

It is also a time to make the wider public aware of their local, state and national Deaf communities, and promote access and inclusion for Deaf people everywhere.

NWDP also provides an opportunity for organisations involved with or wishing to be involved with the Deaf Community to build and maintain relationships with Deaf people and to be recognised as an ally to the Deaf community.