As the world marks International Day of Sign Languages on September 23, Rwanda has an opportunity to reflect on the strides made in promoting inclusivity and the gaps that remain. Language is more than communication, because it is access, dignity, and participation. For the Deaf community, sign language is not merely a tool but a lifeline to education, employment, and full participation.

The World Federation of the Deaf estimates that more than 70 million people globally use sign languages, and Rwanda is home to thousands who depend on it daily. Over the past decade, the country has introduced sign language interpretation on national television broadcasts and integrated training modules in some teacher education programs.

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The Rwanda National Union of the Deaf has been central in advocating for wider recognition, and in 2024, Rwanda distributed the first sign language dictionary to help standardize usage across the country. These steps mark progress, yet uptake of sign language beyond specialized spaces remains limited.

Too often, Deaf Rwandans are left navigating barriers in schools, workplaces, hospitals, and public institutions where communication is a daily struggle. A study by the National Council of Persons with Disabilities found that fewer than one in five public service institutions had personnel trained to assist Deaf clients, underscoring how exclusion persists in everyday life. This not only isolates individuals but also sidelines talent and potential that Rwanda cannot afford to waste.

Although progress is evident, uptake of sign language must be seen as a collective responsibility. Schools can normalize it through basic instruction, health workers and public servants can integrate it into service delivery, and society at large can embrace it as part of our shared identity. By accelerating uptake and mainstreaming sign language, we can build a society where every voice, spoken or signed, can be heard.