International Week of Deaf People: Advocating for deaf rights promoting social inclusion
The International Week of Deaf People is observed every year during the last week of September. It is a time dedicated to raising awareness about the culture, identity, and rights of deaf people, while advocating for greater inclusion and accessibility. This global event brings attention to the challenges faced by the deaf community and highlights the importance of sign language in ensuring their full participation in society.
Launched in 1958 by the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), the International Week of Deaf People began as a modest initiative. Over the years, it has grown into a worldwide movement, with numerous organizations and communities taking part to show their support for the deaf community. In 2006, it was officially institutionalized as an annual event, with each year focusing on a specific theme related to the rights and well-being of deaf individuals.
The theme for this year emphasizes the need for greater social inclusion, accessibility, and the promotion of sign language. Each year, the week explores different aspects of deaf identity, education, and advocacy, using cultural and campaigning activities to showcase the significant contributions made by the deaf community.
The International Week of Deaf People provides a platform to address crucial issues like the need for better access to education, employment opportunities, and public services for the deaf. It also aims to break down misconceptions about deafness and clarify the importance of sign language, which is a vital tool for communication and inclusion.
One of the key messages of this week is the importance of recognizing the rights of deaf individuals, particularly in areas like accessibility and equal participation in all sectors of society. Through this event, the deaf community is empowered, and their voices are amplified, allowing them to engage with the broader society and advocate for their rightful place within it.
This week not only highlights the unique culture and contributions of the deaf community but also strengthens the sense of unity and support within it. The event fosters networking, awareness, and collaboration, helping to create a more inclusive world where the deaf are treated equally and with respect.
The International Week of Deaf People has grown into a powerful advocacy platform, helping to increase understanding and recognition of the deaf community while promoting the idea that every person, regardless of their hearing ability, has the right to be fully included in society.
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Real Madrid fines Valverde and Tchouaméni half a million euros each for altercation
Barcelona (AP): Real Madrid slapped players Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni with half-a-million-euro ($588,000) fines on Friday for their altercation during practice.
The massive fines came a day after the midfielders tussled when the team trained. Valverde said in a post on social media on Thursday that no punches were thrown. But Valverde knocked his head on a table and he suffered a small cut that required a brief hospital visit.
On social media, Valverde initially called it a “meaningless fight” with a teammate and said “everything has been blown out of proportion."
His employers, however, considered it a significant enough breach of team discipline to nail both Valverde and Tchouaméni with fines that bite even the bank account of a top soccer player. The half-a-million euro penalties reflect the reputational damage the club was enduring in a chaotic end to a disappointing season.
In a statement, the 15-time European champion said its disciplinary action was concluded after both players expressed to the club “their complete remorse for what happened and apologized to one another.”
Madrid added they also apologized to their teammates, the coaching staff and club supporters, as well as showing their willingness to accept whatever disciplinary action the club deemed “opportune.”
Tchouaméni was back training with Madrid on Friday, two days before they play at Barcelona in a clasico. Madrid has to win otherwise Barcelona will be crowned La Liga champion.
After being notified of the fine, he posted a public apology to the club and its fans on social media.
“What happened this week in training is unacceptable,” Tchouaméni wrote. "I say this while thinking about the example we are expected to set for young people, whether in football or at school.
“Above all, I am sorry for the image we projected of the club.”
Valverde was not at practice due to the head knock.
Both players are set to play in the World Cup next month, with Tchouaméni playing for France and Valverde for Uruguay.
Chaotic end to a poor season
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The run-in between the players, who for seasons have played side by side in Madrid's midfield, came after they argued this week in previous training sessions. But tempers boiled over on Thursday. Spanish media was rife with reports that the players previously disagreed over the club's decision to let coach Xabi Alonso go after just months on the job.
It was not the only altercation involving Madrid players during training this week. Álvaro Carreras confirmed he was in a “minor” incident with a teammate. Spanish media said he and fellow defender Antonio Rüdiger got into a scuffle.
Álvaro Arbeloa, the coach who was promoted from Madrid's reserve team when Alonso was fired in January, will face tough questions on what went wrong inside the changing room when he gives a press conference on Saturday ahead of the clasico at Camp Nou.
Madrid is facing a second consecutive campaign without a major trophy amid rumors in the Spanish media that club president Florentino Pérez is considering bringing back Jose Mourinho to straighten out his underperforming team.
