Deaf News: Joseph Murray elected as World Federation of the Deaf President

American academic Joseph Murray has been announced as the new President of the World Federation of the Deaf.

Dr Murray, who takes over from Colin Allen, will lead the federation – which involves deaf associations from 133 countries – until 2023.

The result was revealed during the WFD General Assembly this week, where delegates discussed international deaf issues.

One successful vote called on the WFD to work with the World Health Organisation “to change their perspective on deafness from the serious illness to the human rights model” in accordance with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Elsewhere, a motion from Australia members on an international sign language symbol passed by 72 votes to 8, while a vote on a Deaf flag, put forward by French attendees, was rejected.

The issue of the Deaf Flag has arisen again at #XXWFDGA & France proposes that this be put to a vote again. Lots of OMs contributed to discussion, with differing views. This was rejected at WFD GA in Istanbul & @FNSF has proposed this flag again. pic.twitter.com/nezbzkfRGE

— Dr Robert Adam (he/him) sign name 'R-A' 🇪🇺🏳️‍🌈 (@rejadam) July 22, 2019

As well as voting on motions, the conference also saw former broadcaster and former British Deaf Association chair Terry Riley OBE made an honorary member of the federation.

Responding to the news on Twitter, Mr Riley said it was “quite a surprise”.

“Quite humbling to be granted this for what I consider a labour of love and dedication to the WFD work,” he said.

The World Federation of the Deaf now hosts its World Congress in Paris until 27 July.

By Liam O’Dell. Liam is a mildly deaf freelance journalist and blogger from Bedfordshire. He wears bilateral hearing aids and can be found talking about disability, theatre, politics and more on Twitter and on his website.