Learn about the NWDP
National Week of Deaf People is a massive week for us and gives us a chance to celebrate our community, language, culture and history. Founded by Deaf Australia in conjunction with the World Federation of the Deaf.
What is NWDP?
This week is an opportunity for Deaf people to celebrate their communities, language, culture and history; make the public aware of their local, state and national Deaf communities; and to recognise their achievements. It is also an opportunity for organisations involved with or wishing to be involved with the Deaf Community to build and maintain relationships with Deaf people and be recognised as an ally to the Deaf community.
When did NWDP begin?
The National Week of Deaf People (NWDP) is a week-long national celebration of Deaf individuals and the Australian Deaf community, which includes celebrating the International Week of Deaf People (IWDP) and International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL) which are initiatives of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD). These two events are traditionally held during September and are based on the first date it started (23 September 1951).
What is the theme for this year?
A World Where Deaf People Can Sign Anywhere
What are the themes for each day?
The World Federation of the Deaf’s daily themes for the International Week of Deaf People:
- Monday, 18 September 2023 | Declaration of the Rights of the Deaf Child
- Tuesday, 19 September 2023 | Building Capacity Across the Globe
- Wednesday, 20 September 2023 | Realising “Nothing Without Us”
- Thursday, 21 September 2023 | Putting Deaf People on the Agenda
- Friday, 22 September 2023 | Achieving Sign Language Rights for All
- Saturday, 23 September 2023 | International Day of Sign Languages: A World Where Deaf People Everywhere Can Sign Anywhere
- Sunday, 24 September 2023 | Building Inclusive Deaf Communities
What's on for NWDP 2023
Werribee Open Range Zoo
Greater Melbourne area
Wednesday 20th September
The response to our Zoo trip last year was incredible, and we can't thank Zoos Victoria enough for having us again! This time we'll be visiting Werribee Zoo, and the day will be fully Auslan interpreted, with lots of fun activities planned. We've booked interpreters for animal talks and the safari bus all throughout the day, and will also be running Auslan classes. We recommend pre-booking your tickets so you don't miss out!
Wings Wildlife Park
Northern Tasmania
Thursday 21st September
Come see over 150 different species of animals at Wings Wildlife Park! We'll be providing interpreters for the day so you can explore the park, watch wildlife presentations, and have a lovely day out catching up with friends. Book your tickets online or buy them on the day, and meet with the group at 11am at the park entry.
Port Arthur Historic Site
Southern Tasmania
Friday 22nd September
Established in 1830, Port Arthur Historic Site is one of Tasmania's biggest attractions and features a gallery, a harbour cruise, site talks, and access to over 30 historical buildings and sites that all tell of Tasmania's colonial history. Meet with our interpreters at the site entry at 11am and explore together! Book your tickets online or buy them on the day.
Echuca & Moama BBQ
Northern Victoria
Sunday 24th September
We're heading to Adventure Play Park in Moama for a day of family fun, where you can meet new people or catch up with friends. We'll be providing sausages and drinks, please bring along any other food you'd like, as well as your own picnic rug and/or picnic chairs. There are some tables available at the site. The event is free, but we ask that you RSVP for catering purposes.
Blue light illuminations
VIC, WA, SA, NT, ACT
All week
To celebrate NWDP, we’re lighting up landmarks across the country blue! Keep an eye out at the following locations on the dates listed, and be sure to tag us @ExpressionAustralia if you take any pictures.
Victoria
Bolte Bridge, Docklands, 23/09
Western Australia
Parliament House, West Perth, 23/09
Matagarup Bridge, Perth, 22/09
All bridges on Perth’s freeway system, 22/09
South Australia
Parliament House, Adelaide, 21/09
Northern Territory
Palmerston Water Tower, Palmerston City, 22-24/09
Frances Drive Light Pole, Palmerston City, 22-24/09
Australian Capital Territory
Royal Australian Mint, Deakin, 21/09