The World Federation of the Deafblind WFDB is a global non-governmental advocacy organization by and for persons with deafblindness, aiming to improve the quality of life and protect the rights of this distinct disability group.
The World Federation of the Deafblind (WFDB) is the global voice of persons with deafblindness—and a worldwide movement led by persons with deafblindness themselves. Established in 2001, WFDB brings together 75 national and associate member organisations from 67 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America and the Pacific.
Across languages, cultures and different ways of communicating, its members are united by a shared ambition: a world in which persons with deafblindness are visible, heard and able to shape their own lives and communities. WFDB turns lived experience into collective action. It advocates for equal rights, accessible services, reliable data and full participation, while connecting organisations and leaders to exchange knowledge, build solidarity and drive change across borders.
Persons with deafblindness lead WFDB at every level. Its Executive Council and representatives from six world regions bring diverse realities into its global work. Through its Women’s Committee and Youth Committee, WFDB is also creating new opportunities for women and young persons with deafblindness to connect, develop their leadership and bring fresh perspectives into international advocacy.
WFDB holds consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and is a member of the International Disability Alliance (IDA). It cooperates with Deafblind International (DbI), the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), the World Blind Union (WBU), the World Association of Sign Language Interpreters (WASLI), Sense International (SI) and the Latin American Network of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities and their Families (RIADIS), among other global and regional partners.
One of WFDB’s landmark achievements began with a powerful idea from the Deafblind community: deafblindness deserved worldwide recognition. WFDB led the international advocacy that resulted in the United Nations General Assembly establishing 27 June as the International Day of Deafblindness in 2025—transforming a shared ambition into a global commitment. WFDB continues to challenge invisibility, strengthen representative organisations and open doors for a new generation of leaders. Its goal is not simply for persons with deafblindness to be included in decisions, but to be there from the beginning—leading, shaping and deciding.
For WFDB, “Nothing about Deafblind without Deafblind” is not just a slogan. It is how change begins.
Official website: https://wfdb.eu
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