Blog post by the World Federation of the Deafblind (WFDB).
On Monday, 16 June 2025, the United Nations General Assembly adopted by consensus a resolution titled “International Day of Deafblindness” A/79/L.92, officially proclaiming 27 June as the International Day of Deafblindness. The date was chosen to honor the birthday of Helen Keller (1880–1968), the pioneering American author, educator, and activist who was deafblind – a figure whose legacy continues to inspire millions around the world.
This historic achievement was made possible through the leadership of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Croatia to the United Nations, in close collaboration with the World Federation of the Deafblind (WFDB), under the direction of Dr. Sanja Tarczay, a Croatian woman with deafblindness and a longtime global advocate for disability rights. Dr. Tarczay is also the former president of the European Deafblind Union (EDbU), a member of EDF, and has served on EDF’s Board for many years.
Other core group countries supporting the resolution include Antigua and Barbuda, Djibouti, Jordan, and the United Republic of Tanzania.
A powerful example of the speed and effectiveness of organized civil society.
— Dr. Sanja Tarczay, President of WFDB and Vice President of International Disability Alliance
An extraordinary 99 countries co-sponsored the resolution — a powerful testament to the strength of unified global advocacy and the urgent need for greater inclusion of persons with deafblindness.
The power of collaboration
This milestone is the result of joint efforts across a broad spectrum: organisations of persons with deafblindness, OPDs, member states, NGOs, researchers, and other allies. At a time when the world faces growing challenges and division, the passage of this resolution is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through collaboration and shared purpose.
Paving the way for real change
The recent recognition of deafblindness as a distinct disability marks a historic turning point.
It lays the foundation for:
- Inclusive legislation and policies
- Equitable access to services and technologies
- Increased public awareness
- Greater societal inclusion
The resolution calls on all UN Member States and agencies to promote the rights of persons with deafblindness and ensure their full participation in all areas of life — in line with the global commitment to “leave no one behind.”
Why this matters
Persons with deafblindness face unique and often overlooked barriers that have rendered them largely invisible in data, policies and the public discourse. These barriers limit access to education, healthcare, employment, and social participation.
By recognizing deafblindness and dedicating an international day to it, the UN is helping to change this reality.
The resolution paves the way for:
- More inclusive legislation and policies tailored to the needs of deafblind individuals.
- Improved access to specialized services, including communication support.
- Greater public awareness and understanding of deafblindness.
- The promotion of fundamental rights and the full inclusion of deafblind people in society.
Key provisions of the resolution
- Official Proclamation: June 27 will be observed annually as the International Day of Deafblindness starting in 2025.
- Recognition of Deafblindness as a Distinct Disability: The resolution urges governments to recognize deafblindness separately in laws, policies, and programs.
- Awareness and Inclusion: Calls on all UN Member States, organizations, and civil society to raise awareness and promote the inclusion of deafblind persons.
- Importance of Interpreter Services: Highlights the critical role of professional deafblind interpreters and interpreter-guides in enabling access to communication, information, and community participation.
- Symbolic Recognition: Acknowledges the red and white striped cane as an important tool for mobility and identification within the deafblind community.
June 27 as the International Day of Deafblindness
This past 27 June, the global deafblind community came together to celebrate the first official International Day of Deafblindness. The World Federation of the Deafblind (WFDB) collected powerful testimonies from persons with deafblindness around the world about what this recognition means to them.
Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.
— Helen Keller
Further information
- Read WFDB’s Press Release
- Access the full UN resolution
- Watch the UN session (Relevant minutes: 02:47:00 – 02:58:00)