Turkish National Federation of the Deaf was established in 1960 by the prominent of the deaf community to alleviate the social, economic, political, cultural and psychological problems of the deaf living in Turkey. In 1963, just after 3 years of its establishment Turkish National Federation of the Deaf became a full member of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD). In the very same year, the Federation also acquired the “beneficial to the public” status from the council of ministers.

In order to make sure the most effective participation of deaf people to societal life, Turkish National Federation of the Deaf has always promoted the usage of the Turkish Sign Language. These efforts culminated in the recognition of the Turkish Sign as a formal language in 2005 by the Law No 5378. The recognition of the Turkish Sign as a formal language was an important step. However it would be misleading to claim that by the recognition of the sign language, all the problems of the deaf living in Turkey has been solved. It was merely an important step to solve other urgent needs and problems of the deaf community. And by being aware of this reality, Turkish National Federation of the Deaf has started laying strong foundations to move one step further.

The first step was the implementation of the “Reproduction Health Project”, funded by EU in 2006.The successful implementation of the project has encouraged the prominent of the Turkish National Federation of the Deaf to take bolder steps. The implementation of the “We Do not Want Pity but Our Right to Honor” Project was the result of this thought. The project covered the difficulties that disabled people confront with while participating to societal life. In order to attract the attention of the public opinion, spot films were prepared and broadcasted on the national TV’s.

The Balkan Survey Project funded by the Finnish Association of the Deaf and implemented in Serbia, Macedonia, Turkey and Bosnia – Herzegovina was the most important international activity that Turkish National Federation of the Deaf took part. By conducting the survey, Turkish National Federation of the Deaf had the chance to assess the social and economic conditions of the deaf living in Turkey.

17^TH WORLD CONGRESS OF THE WFD

Every four year World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) holds its congresses in one of the member countries. Turkey was candidate for the 2011 bid along with South Africa. Even though Turkey lost the bid, the result was quite encouraging. Therefore Turkish National Federation of the Deaf has already decided to declare its candidacy for the 17^th World Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf and started laying strong foundations for this aim.