Organization
Deutscher Gehörlosenbund e.V.(DGB)
Germany's national association for deaf people and the sign language community, representing approximately 80,000 deaf individuals across the country. Founded in 1950, the DGB promotes cultural, social, and professional interests of deaf people and advocates for the recognition of German Sign Language.
About
The Deutscher Gehörlosenbund (DGB) was founded in 1950 as the national representative body for deaf people in Germany. Based in Berlin, it is a member of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) and the European Union of the Deaf (EUD), and represents its community in national and international disability policy arenas.
What They Do
The DGB campaigns for legal recognition of German Sign Language (Deutsche Gebärdensprache, DGS), accessible communication in public life, and equal participation for deaf people in education, employment, and civic affairs. It coordinates member associations across Germany's federal states and publishes resources in DGS and written German.
Who They Serve
The DGB serves deaf people, deafblind individuals, and the wider sign language community in Germany, including hearing family members and professionals working in deaf education and interpreting.
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