CSD is Proud to be an Official Partner of the 14thWorld Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf

From: CSD - 25 Mar 2003

PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT

Release Date: March 19, 2003

Contact: Rick Norris

CSD Communications Office

CSD is Proud to be an Official Partner of the

14thWorld Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf

SIOUX FALLS, S.D.-- CSD proudly announcesits support as a major sponsor or “official partner” for the upcoming international World Congress of the Deaf, July 17-26, 2003 to be held in Montreal, Canada.

Every four years, the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) holds its World Congress, drawing more than 3,000 deaf and hard of hearing delegates from around the globe. This unique forum allows scholars and leaders to gather together to debate topics, present papers and share developments in the areas of human rights, education, language and culture, technology, health and areas of particular interest to deaf people.

In addition, the 14th Congress will focus on deaf people in developing third world countries.According to the WFD, as much as 80 percent of the world’s deaf population lives in third world countries and many rarely have any access to education at all. And for those who do receive an education, it is estimated that only one percent receive their education in sign language. This is alarming given the fact that a great majority of deaf people worldwide rely on visual sign language to communicate in their daily lives.

“CSD's role as title sponsor and our partnership with the WFD demonstrates our international interests and our commitment to having productive relationships with diverse, representative organizations,” said Benjamin Soukup, CSD chief executive officer. “The World Congress event is an empowering venue for all deaf and hard of hearing people. It gives us an opportunity to discuss important issues and to imagine what could be achieved if we join together for a common cause.”

“We are pleased to have CSD as our official partner sponsor. It shows their commitment to the work of the WFD,” said Carol-lee Aquiline, WFD general secretary. “We value the partnership we have with CSD and are pleased that they can join us in tenaciously pursuing human rights issues and overcoming difficult odds for deaf people world-wide.”

CSD(also known as Communication Service for the Deaf)is one of the world’s largest private, non-profit organizations run by and for deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Since it’s inception in 1975, the company has been dedicated to providing broad based quality programs and services for deaf and hard of hearing consumers; ensuring public accessibility; and increasing public awareness of issues affecting deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Today, the company has more than 2,000 employees in locations throughout the U.S. For more information, see:www.c-s-d.org.

The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD)was established in Rome, Italy, in 1951, and is affiliated with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO); the World Health Organisation (WHO); the International Labour Office (ILO); and is represented on the Panel of Consultative Experts to the Special Rapporteur on the UN Standard Rules Board for the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities. The WFD is the leading international non-governmental organisation for Deaf people, representing approximately 70 million people. WFD membership is comprised of national organisations of Deaf people in 120 countries; as well as associate, international and individual members. WFD has 7 Regional Secretariats and 1 Co-operating Partner in various regions throughout the world. For more information about WFD, please seewww.wfdnews.org.

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