skip to main content

The Deaf flag flies at RTÉ for Irish Sign Language (ISL) Awareness Week

The Deaf flag flying at RTÉ to mark Irish Sign Language (ISL) Awareness Week and International Week of Deaf People.
The Deaf flag flying at RTÉ to mark Irish Sign Language (ISL) Awareness Week and International Week of Deaf People.

The Deaf flag is flying at RTÉ to mark Irish Sign Language (ISL) Awareness Week and International Week of Deaf People. Here, our friends at the Irish Deaf Society tells us more...

The flag is the one that flies outside Deaf Village Ireland (DVI). It is the official Deaf flag approved by the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD).

It is a powerful symbol for Deaf communities around the world. The flag was designed by the French Deafblind artist Arnaud Balard and represents openness, inclusiveness, and unity. It features a large open turquoise hand on top of a yellow hand, symbolising sign language.

He says: "I imagined and created it because I always fight for sign language. I believe that a flag is a powerful symbol and I believe it's time for us to share and be proud of who we are. That was my idea and goal."

The tips of the fingers stretch outside the flag, symbolising the global use of sign language - not just in one country, but in every country around the world. The five fingers also represent the five continents: Europe, the Americas, Asia, Oceania, and Africa.

Each of the colours holds special meaning:

  • Turquoise Blue represents the Deaf community and Sign Language, pride and unity.
  • Yellow represents the colour of light, an enlightened spirit, life and thriving together.
  • Dark Blue, was chosen by the World Federation of the Deaf and Deaf associations around the World to represent Deafhood.

It also represents the earth, humanity and living with respect for our planet.

All of these colours together represents that Deaf people are a part of a rich diversity that makes humanity better.