The Deaf flag flies at RTÉ for Irish Sign Language (ISL) Awareness Week

RTÉ is proud to collaborate with the Irish Deaf Society to celebrate International Week of Deaf People 2026 and ISL Awareness Week from Monday 21 to Sunday 27 September. The Deaf Flag, which was raised by Miriam O' Callaghan will fly at RTÉ throughout the week as we celebrate inclusion, accessibility and Irish Sign Language. Here, our friends at the Irish Deaf Society tell us more... It is the official Deaf flag approved by the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD). It is a powerful symbol for Deaf communities around the world. The flag was designed by the French Deafblind artist Arnaud Balard and represents openness, inclusiveness, and unity. It features a large open turquoise hand on top of a yellow hand, symbolising sign language. He says: "I imagined and created it because I always fight for sign language. I believe that a flag is a powerful symbol and I believe it's time for us to share and be proud of who we are. That was my idea and goal." The tips of the fingers stretch outside the flag, symbolising the global use of sign language - not just in one country, but in every country around the world. The five fingers also represent the five continents: Europe, the Americas, Asia, Oceania, and Africa. Each of the colours holds special meaning: It also represents the earth, humanity and living with respect for our planet. All of these colours together represents that Deaf people are a part of a rich diversity that makes humanity better. On 14 December 2017, the Irish Sign Language (ISL) Act was passed by the Dáil. The ISL Act 2017, recognises Irish Sign Language is the third official language of Ireland and the first language of the ISL community.