World Deaf Day was initiated in 1958 by the World Federation of the Deaf. The holiday falls on the Sunday of the International Week of the Deaf and International Day of Sign Languages (introduced later on), which is the last week in the month of September. World Day of The Deaf is a holiday that calls for the attention of governments, non-governmental organizations, philanthropists, and the general society, to support the community of deaf people.

The holiday features the achievements of deaf people all around the world. It helps many people to understand the remarkable works of people who are deaf. It also creates awareness about the challenges faced by deaf people and highlights the importance of sign language for the general public. World Day of The Deaf is recognized every last Sunday of September in order to help deaf people and their communities find a safe space in society at large.

Through this initiative, many people have become interested in helping deaf people fit into society better. Also, the holiday helps to create awareness about hearing loss. It has been found that many people are at risk of avoidable, permanent hearing loss. Organizations like the World Health Organization and United Nations are very much concerned about the issue of deafness, and they have given their support to the World Federation of the Deaf. However, during this holiday, people are encouraged to support those suffering from hearing loss. It is also a day to help create awareness concerning some dangerous habits that can easily lead to hearing loss.