The first official International Day of Deafblindness
In 2025, June 27th was officially recognised by the UN as International Day of Deafblindness with support from Sense International’s global teams, honouring the legacy of deafblind activist Helen Keller and symbolising vital recognition for deafblindness as a distinct disability.
The recognition was called for by the World Federation of the Deafblind, an organisation representing people with deafblindness globally. It sought to raise awareness of deafblindness in line with other disabilities and marginalised identities that have recognised awareness days, call for greater rights and recognition, and improve inclusion, equality, and equity worldwide.
Recognition was granted ahead of the 18th Conference on State Partnership, with the proposition led by the World Federation of the Deafblind co-sponsored by nearly 100 countries. The date was chosen to coincide with Helen Keller Day, which celebrates the birthday of the deafblind author and activist and her tireless work to advance the rights of people with disabilities.
Sense International’s global teams worked tirelessly to help support the motion, acknowledging the power of international recognition of deafblindness as a distinct disability and the need for specific interventions to address a lack of equality in society. Country teams wrote testimonials to government representatives, ministries, and commissions of Social Justice, Foreign Affairs, and Disability Inclusion; UN Representatives, and International Non-Governmental Organisations, urging their national governments to co-sponsor the resolution.
The recognition was made possible by a major collaborative effort. It is proof once again that our greatest strength comes when collaborating and coming together to drive change and ensure everyone is included. The foundation has been laid for concrete action, paving the way to inclusive legislation, policy, and access to key areas of public life. The resolution invites all Member States and UN entities to raise awareness, promote the rights of deafblind persons, and ensure their full participation in every aspect of society — in line with the pledge to “leave no one behind.”
We congratulate the World Federation of the Deafblind and who were all involved in pushing for this recognition. We look forward to celebrating International Day of Deafblindness and gaining greater recognition for this unique disability so we can work towards a more equitable future.
“Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.”
Helen Keller
