In 2017, the World Federation of the Deaf decided to make September 23 International Sign Language Day. This is not just any day, but the date on which the Federation was founded in 1951.

At the Special Technological High School No. 3 in Bucharest, September 23, 2024 was the first day of the “Deaf Community and Culture Week”, which ended on September 29, with the celebration of the International Day of the Deaf.

In the past, the deaf students of the Special Technological High School No. 3 celebrated by sharing on social media their message of support for Romanian Sign Language (RSL), their mother tongue. This year, however, the day was a first for hearing-impaired students, parents and employees and a recognition of the essence of their individual and community existence. The way deaf people communicate is a form of adaptation to society, an expression of their desire to be part of society and to be recognized as such.

The event was unique on a national level, as unique as the high school, born in 2011 from the merger of two educational institutions for hearing-impaired students in Bucharest. Currently, it is the only educational establishment in the country that offers high quality educational services from pre-school to post-secondary level.

In the week leading up to the event, the students prepared intensively: some rehearsed the artistic moments, others made gifts for the guests and all of them, individually or in teams, created exhibits (collages, drawings, paintings) for the “Signs and Words” exhibition.

September 23, 2024 was the day when all their hard work was recognized and showcased:

– the guests, together with their parents, watched the exhibition “Signs and Words”
– in the second part of the event, the show “Hands Speak” took place, consisting of artistic moments presented by deaf students.

Among the spectators, we also found our special guests, whom we thank for their presence:
– Adriana Săftoiu
– Romi Mihăescu – Secretary General of ANPDPD
– Ionuț Nicula – School Inspector for Special Education ISMB
– Viorel Agheană – lecturer, dr. univ. dr., University of Bucharest
– Daniel Lolici- president ANSR- Youth Branch, president EUDY, current president ANSR
– Alin Firu – vice-president ANSR- Youth Branch, student at the Faculty of Theater in Craiova.

After lunch, high school and 8th grade students participated in a debate held by Daniel Lolici on the theme “I know, I can, I do”, where he showed our teenagers once again that hearing impairment is not an insurmountable barrier to achieve something in life, and that knowledge is the main form of access to active life.

The next day, students who made products for the “Signs and Words” exhibition were rewarded with a trip to Comana Adventure Park. Thus, 150 students and teachers enjoyed a day outdoors, taking part in various climbing, zip-lining and tree climbing activities.
This event also marks the establishment of September 23 as school day.