Deaf Advocacy
1960: Felag heyrnarlausra Icelandic Association of the Deaf
Founded on 11th of February, 1960, the Icelandic Association of the Deaf is an advocacy, expert and service organization of the Deaf.
1973: Għaqda Persuni Neqsin mis-Smigħ Maltese Deaf People's Association
The Deaf People Association Malta was founded in 1973 and represents almost 1500 D/deaf people in Malta.
1977: Fédération Francophone des Sourds de Belgique (FFSB)
Creation of the FFSB, following the linguistic split of the National Federation in 1936.
1981: Irish Deaf Society (IDS)
The IDS was set up by a group of Deaf people on the 13th January 1981. They were concerned with a society that was not treating Deaf people as equals.
1985: Foundation of the European Union of the Deaf (EUD)
The European Union of the Deaf (EUD) was founded in 1985.
It is EUD's vision that Deaf people all over Europe have equality in both public and private aspects of life. Its main objectives it wants realised are: the recognition of the right to use an indigenous sign language, empowerment through communication and information, and equality in education and employment.
1987: Foundation of the EUDY (European Union of the Deaf Youth)
Established in 1987, EUDY (European Union of the Deaf Youth) is the only organisation representing the interests of Deaf Youth Europeans in Europe. EUDY exists to promote, advance, protect rights, and opportunities for Deaf people in Europe. Emancipation and equal opportunities are key philosophies in our work towards achieving an equal position in society with recognition of Deaf people as full citizens in our right.
EUDY's Vision:
In world where all Deaf Youth who use sign language are able to enjoy their rights, fulfil their responsibilities and obligations, and participate fully as they choose at every level of society.
1988: Deaf President Now (USA)
A "Deaf President Now" (DPN) student demonstration was held at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. On March 13
The protest began on March 6, 1988, when the Board of Trustees announced its decision to appoint a hearing candidate, Elizabeth Zinser, over the other highly qualified Deaf candidates, Irving King Jordan and Harvey Corson, as its seventh president.
1988: European Parliament Resolution on Sign Languages
On 17 June 1988, the European Parliament unanimously approved a resolution about sign languages. The resolution suggests that all member states recognise their sign languages as official languages of the Deaf community.
1990: Svaz Neslyšících a Nedoslýchavých v Čr (UDHH) Czech Republic Union of Deaf and Hard of Hearing
The Union of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons in the Czech Republic was established on 8 May 1990 as a non-profit civic association.
1991: Asociácia Nepočujúcich Slovenska (ANEPS) ; Slovak Association of the Deaf
The Association of the Deaf of Slovakia (ANEPS) is a voluntary civic association of a humanitarian and charitable nature, formed by the hearing impaired themselves.