Recognizing World Deaf Refugee Day: Educator Guide for June 22

Each year on June 22, the global community observes World Deaf Refugee Day—a day dedicated to raising awareness about Deaf individuals who have been forcibly displaced. It celebrates their resilience, language, and cultural contributions while calling on educators to advocate for inclusive support systems.

Why It Matters

World Deaf Refugee Day uplifts Deaf refugees and asylum seekers, highlighting the unique challenges they face—facing displacement plus communication barriers. Organizations like the Global Deaf Refugee Network (GDRN) and Deaf Refugee Advocacy host workshops, leadership training, and cultural exchanges to empower individuals and foster community bonds. Recognizing June 22 alongside broader World Refugee Day (June 20) helps deepen empathy and build inclusive educational environments.

Creating Supportive Learning Spaces

1. Amplify Refugee Stories

Invite Deaf refugees or sign-language advocates to share their journeys in class—using captions or ASL interpreters. Hearing stories about seeking asylum, learning new languages, or adjusting to school environments helps build empathy and solidarity.

2. Connect with Specialist Organizations

• GDRN and Deaf Refugee Advocacy offer online courses, life-skills sessions, ASL-English classes, and leadership opportunities.

• UNHCR highlights the importance of Deaf-accessible language and integration programs, such as Switzerland’s DIMA initiative that provides sign-language education and social support to Deaf refugees—leading to better inclusion, identity, and employment.

3. Highlight June 22 in the Classroom

Build a brief lesson or reflection day focused on Deaf refugees—connecting it to World Refugee Day and Refugee Week. Discuss rights, experiences, resilience, and ways students can act in support.

4. Practical Classroom Actions

• Ensure communication access: Provide interpreters, captioning, simple text-visual summaries, and peer buddies.

• Create safe spaces: Offer explicit support for Deaf refugees, especially new arrivals unaware of rights or school routines.

• Host community-building activities: Encourage students to make welcome packs, ASL posters, or inclusive greeting videos.

A Story of Change

In Switzerland, DIMA’s workshops teach Swiss German and Swiss‑German Sign Language while providing cultural orientation and job-coaching. One Deaf refugee from Afghanistan said:

“Thanks to DIMA, I finally got access to education… I found a job.”

This demonstrates how Deaf refugee-centered education can restore identity, confidence, and opportunity.

Coclusion:

Let’s honor World Deaf Refugee Day by making our schools truly inclusive:

• Plan a session on June 22 about Deaf refugee experiences and resilience

• Invite local Deaf refugee advocates or interpreters to speak

• Introduce sign-language learning modules connected to refugee rights

• Partner with local refugee centers to provide hands-on support

Educators, what are you planning for June 22? Share your ideas below and let’s build a welcoming world for all Deaf learners—regardless of where they’re from.

References

1. Global Deaf Refugee Network & Deaf Refugee Advocacy: leadership, ASL-English classes, life-skills sessions for Deaf refugees literacyeducationfordeafnewamericans.orggreensboro-nc.gov

2. UNHCR & Global Compact: Deaf refugee inclusion through DIMA sign-language programs in Switzerland globalcompactrefugees.org

3. RegFox: World Deaf Refugee Day event registration period (June 26–28, 2025) initiatives twinkl.com+11wdrd.regfox.com+11literacyeducationfordeafnewamericans.org+11

4. UNHCR: World Refugee Day (June 20) context for solidarity with refugees https://www.unhcr.org/us/get-involved/take-action/world-refugee-day

5. City of Greensboro – World Refugee Day https://www.greensboro-nc.gov/departments/human-rights/commissions-and-committees/international-advisory-committee/world-refugee-day