Press Release: EUD Book Launch

Press Release

Now available: New edition of the EUD Book ‘Sign Language Legislation in the EU’

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – The European Union of the Deaf (EUD) is delighted to announce that the second edition of the book on Sign Language Legislation in the European Union is now available for sale. This publication covers all pieces of legislation mentioning sign language in the EU Member States, as well as at supranational level.

With the publication of the Book, which was compiled by Mark Wheatley, EUD Executive Director and Annika Pabsch EUD Policy Officer, EUD wants to highlight the need for adequate sign language legislation in the EU and contribute to its dissemination. It also aims at empowering European Deaf citizens in their right to use their national sign languages.

“An overview like this publication has become necessary, as more and more countries are passing sign language legislation. Policy makers need to be aware of the lack of protection in some countries and the positive examples of others in order to adequately safeguard European indigenous sign languages, which form an important part of Europe’s diverse language background and its culture”, say Mark Wheatley and Annika Pabsch.

Berglind Stefánsdóttir, EUD President, adds, “We are extremely pleased to have this publication, which shows that the indigenous national sign languages of Europe are recognised and mentioned in a number of different ways and documents. The EU and its Member States have to understand and accept that sign languages are an important key for Deaf people to achieve being full and equal citizens.”

On the occasion of the European Day of Languages, which take place each year on 26 September, EUD are organising a Book Launch Reception at the European Parliament in co-operation with MEP Dr Ádám Kósa. Representatives from the European Disability Forum, the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the Council of Europe will speak at the event.   

For further information, please contact:
Europese Unie van Doven
Mr Lars Knudsen, EUD Communication & Media Officer
[email protected]

Download the EUD Press Release in PDF version here.

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