2025 International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL) and International Week of the Deaf People (IWDP)

The Canadian Association of the Deaf – Association des Sourds du Canada (CAD-ASC) is proud to announce the hoisting of the Deaf Flag at Parliament Hill for the second time in history on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 12 p.m. EST. This event celebrates the United Nations’ declaration of the International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL).

Held north of the eternal flame in front of the Parliament buildings, the ceremony will feature distinguished guests including Christopher Sutton, Canada’s Accessibility Commissioner; the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families; and the Honourable Leslie Church, Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry. Students from Centre Jules-Léger will also participate, performing “O Canada” in LSQ during the raising of the Deaf Flag.

CAD-ASC proudly supports the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD)’s global campaign, “No Human Rights without Sign Language Rights”, highlighting both the International Day of Sign Languages and the International Week of Deaf People, taking place from September 22 to 28, 2025.

The Deaf Flag, approved by the WFD in July 2023, symbolizes the strength and unity of sign language communities worldwide. The International Day of Sign Languages raises awareness of the importance of sign languages and underscores the human rights of Deaf communities. Celebrations in Canada and around the world include activities that engage stakeholders, including governmental bodies, to recognize and support the rights and visibility of Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.

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AI Standards Review

In response to the Accessible and Equitable Artificial Intelligence Systems request under Accessibility Standards Canada for public consultation on a draft AI standard review. The Canadian Association of the Deaf – Association des Sourds du Canada (CAD-ASC) offered this in-depth review that evaluates the accessibility and equity of proposed AI standards, highlighting critical gaps for Deaf and disabled communities and offering detailed recommendations to ensure inclusive, barrier-free AI systems.

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2025 Election Survey Results

As Canadians prepare to head to the polls on April 28, 2025, the Canadian Association of the Deaf – Association des Sourds du Canada (CAD-ASC) has launched a survey to assess where the five major political parties stand on key disability-related issues. While Canada has made progress toward inclusion, serious gaps remain in policy implementation, funding, and political commitment—especially for Deaf, Deaf-Blind, Hard-of-Hearing, or Deaf and disabled (DDBHHD+) individuals. The parties’ responses—or lack thereof—offer insight into their positions on accessible elections, housing, the Canada Disability Benefit, inclusive technology, and more.

With the 2025 implementation deadline for key federal initiatives fast approaching, the next government must ensure transparency, accountability, and meaningful engagement with the disability community. CAD-ASC has sent the survey and follow-up reminders, and will update the results within one business day of receiving each response. Click the press release link below to read the full report in PDF or Word (DOCX) format.

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Deaf Flag Raising Event

The Canadian Association of the Deaf – Association des Sourds du Canada (CAD-ASC) is proud to be hoisting the Deaf Flag at the Parliament Hill for the first time in the history. Click on the press release link below to read the DOCX letter.

Press Release – September 20, 2024

Carter Churchill

The Canadian Association of the Deaf – Association des Sourds du Canada (CAD-ASC) wrote a press release concerning the human rights case of Kimberly Churchill and Todd Churchill, on behalf of Carter Churchill vs. Newfoundland and Labrador English School District. Click on the press release link below to read the PDF letter.

Press Release – September 18, 2023