From 15-16 May the Council of Europe partial agreement, the European Centre for Modern Languages (ECML), hosted the "Unlocking educational opportunities in sign languages in Europe" (DeafSign) workshop at its premises in Graz, Austria. The event brought together international experts, policy makers and professionals from 25 European countries, all committed to fostering access to education for vulnerable deaf learners - including deaf signers with refugee and immigrant backgrounds, deaf children and their families and heritage signers.
Participants reviewed key findings of a Europe-wide survey comprising over 160 responses from contributors in the education and deaf communities, with the aim of developing guidelines, recommendations, and practical resources for early childhood and adult education sectors.
Among the recommendations discussed at the workshop was the call for deaf-led organisations and deaf experts - especially those with diverse backgrounds - to be meaningfully involved from the outset in developing sign language learning opportunities and assessment tools. Participants also worked on drafting key resources - including a set of recommendations for policy makers to support quality sign language education.
The DeafSign project (2024-2027) is part of the ECML's current programme, "Language education at the heart of democracy" which focuses on inclusion, quality education, and active democratic participation through language learning. It aligns with recent developments such as the publication of the International Sign Language version of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) Companion Volume - a milestone that strengthens the visibility and recognition of sign languages across Europe. DeafSign carries forward earlier initiatives in this field and reflects the ECML's continued commitment to supporting sign language learning as part of its broader mission to promote quality language education across Europe.
ECML's thematic area on sign languages
