The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) published a new position paper that talks about including deaf people with intellectual disabilities.

People with intellectual disabilities are often left out and forgotten. This is even more likely to happen to those who are both deaf and have an intellectual disability. They face extra challenges that make it harder for them to be a part of society.

Dr. Joseph Murray, WFD President, Vanessa Dos Santos, a representative from Down Syndrome International, and Sue Swenson, President of Inclusion International, talk about the inclusion of deaf people with intellectual disabilities.
Dr. Joseph Murray, WFD President, Vanessa Dos Santos, a representative from Down Syndrome International, and Sue Swenson, President of Inclusion International

The WFD is taking an important step by publishing this position paper to make sure that the deaf community becomes more inclusive of people with intellectual disabilities.

The deaf community is not the only community with people with intellectual disabilities. It’s important for other groups to recognise that there are people with intellectual disabilities within their communities and make efforts to include them as well.

We really look forward to the focus on inclusive education and the communication-rich environment for children who have both of these disabilities, indeed, any disability. 

Sue Swenson, President, Inclusion International

In a video here, Dr. Joseph Murray, WFD President, Vanessa Dos Santos, a representative from Down Syndrome International, and Sue Swenson, President of Inclusion International, talk about the inclusion of deaf people with intellectual disabilities.

To read the full paper in easy-to-understand language, click the button below:

Read the position paper – Plain Language

Inclusion International supports the WFD’s efforts to make sure that deaf people with intellectual disabilities are included and have their needs taken care of. Together, we can create a world that includes and values everyone.