Say It With Your Hands: Fun Ways Seniors Can Celebrate Sign Language Day

When: September 23rd

Every September 23rd, the world comes together to celebrate International Day of Sign Languages—a reminder that communication comes in many beautiful forms.

For older adults and caregivers, this day is a perfect opportunity to explore the rich, expressive world of sign language and reflect on the importance of inclusion, accessibility, and shared connection.

Whether you’re fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) or just learning to spell your name, there’s a special way for everyone to join the celebration.

History Of International Day of Sign Languages

The United Nations officially proclaimed the International Day of Sign Languages in 2017, with the first celebration held in 2018.

The date, September 23rd, was chosen to honor the founding of the World Federation of the Deaf in 1951. This global organization has long advocated for the rights of deaf people to use sign language and access information equally.

Sign languages are natural languages, each with its own unique grammar and vocabulary. They’re not universal, and there are over 300 sign languages around the world!

This September holiday also coincides with the International Week of the Deaf, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the deaf community’s achievements and challenges.

For older adults, especially those experiencing hearing loss or those who grew up without the opportunity to learn sign language, this day can open the door to new forms of expression and connection.

Importance Of International Day of Sign Languages For Seniors

As we age, communication can become more difficult. Hearing loss is common in older adults, and traditional aids like hearing aids or captions may not always meet everyone’s needs. Learning even a few basic signs can help bridge those gaps.

Here’s why this day matters so much to seniors:

• Promotes Social Connection: Sign language can reduce isolation by giving older adults new tools to communicate with friends, grandchildren, and community members.
• Encourages Brain Health: Learning sign language stimulates the brain and supports cognitive function, making it a great way to keep mentally active.
• Increases Accessibility Awareness: Celebrating this day can spark conversations about making spaces and events more inclusive for people with hearing impairments.
• Bridges Generations: Many young people today are learning ASL in school. Seniors who engage with sign language can create deeper intergenerational bonds.

Tips On How Older Adults Can Celebrate International Day of Sign Languages

Whether you’re a lifelong learner, a curious caregiver, or a senior looking for meaningful connection, celebrating International Day of Sign Languages can be both fun and enriching.

Here are some simple, low-pressure ways older adults and caregivers can celebrate:

1. Learn a Few Basic Signs Together

Start with the essentials—hello, thank you, I love you, and friend. You can find free videos online that demonstrate how to sign these in American Sign Language (ASL). Make it a group activity over coffee or tea, and practice together.

You’ll be surprised how quickly it becomes second nature, and how satisfying it feels to say something without speaking.

2. Host a Sign Language Tea Time

Invite friends over for tea and finger foods—and practice fingerspelling your names or signing simple phrases. It’s a fun, pressure-free way to learn something new together.

3. Watch a Movie or Show Featuring Sign Language

Spend the afternoon watching a feel-good film like CODA or the charming TV show Switched at Birth. Both showcase Deaf culture and feature actors who use sign language. Follow it up with a discussion. Ask questions like, “What did you learn?” or “How did the characters connect without words?” It’s a great way to spark thoughtful conversation.

4. Invite a Guest Speaker or Local Interpreter

Reach out to a community college, Deaf center, or local interpreter and ask if someone can join a group session (in-person or virtually). A short workshop or Q&A can open the door to new perspectives and encourage empathy.

Many seniors find this deeply meaningful, especially when they learn how sign language bridges communication gaps.

5. Join a Local ASL Class or Club

Check with your senior center or local library. Some offer free or low-cost ASL workshops and learning a new language is a great way for seniors to stay engaged.

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Final Thoughts

As you can see, International Day of Sign Languages isn’t about mastering a whole new language—it’s about celebrating inclusion, expression, and the joy of learning something new.

So go ahead, wave hello in sign language, and feel the connection come alive.

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