Deaf Awareness Week and Sign Language Day

Summary#

This bill adds two official observances in Manitoba to recognize deaf and hard of hearing people and sign languages. It names the last full week of September as Deaf Awareness Week and September 23 as the Day of Sign Languages. It takes effect once it becomes law.

• Creates an annual Deaf Awareness Week in late September.
• Sets September 23 as the Day of Sign Languages, matching the international date.
• Recognizes American Sign Language (ASL), Quebec Sign Language (LSQ), and Indigenous sign languages as key to deaf culture in Manitoba.
• Aims to boost public understanding and acceptance of deaf culture, sign languages, and assistive tools.
• Does not create new programs, rules, or penalties.

What it means for you#

• Deaf and hard of hearing Manitobans

  • More public attention on your language, culture, and needs.
  • Easier for community groups to plan events and get media coverage during the week and on the day.
  • No direct change to services or benefits from this bill alone.

• Families and caregivers

  • More chances to learn about sign languages, technology, and support services.
  • Schools and community centres may host events you can attend.

• Schools and employers

  • Clear dates to organize awareness activities, training, or sign language demos.
  • No new legal duties are added by this bill.

• Community groups and businesses

  • A common, recognized time to run outreach, workshops, or promotions tied to deaf awareness.
  • May choose to host events, but there is no requirement to do so.

• General public

  • More news and community events about deaf culture and accessibility in late September.
  • Opportunities to learn basic signs and best ways to communicate.

Expenses#

Estimated fiscal impact: no direct costs stated in the bill.

• No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• Raises understanding of deaf culture and reduces stigma.
• Highlights ASL, LSQ, and Indigenous sign languages as living languages that matter in daily life.
• Encourages schools, employers, and communities to improve communication and access.
• Aligns Manitoba with global observances, showing leadership on accessibility.
• Low-cost way to support inclusion and celebrate contributions of deaf and hard of hearing people.

Opponents' View#

• Mostly symbolic; does not by itself improve access to interpreters, captioning, or services.
• Could lead to “awareness fatigue” from many named days and weeks.
• May take staff time or small budgets for events without clear results.
• Risk that celebrations replace deeper policy work on education, employment, and accessibility.