On January 28, 2026, the Faculty of Foreign Languages at the University of Tirana hosted the first scientific conference in Albania fully dedicated to Albanian Sign Language, titled:
“Integration of Sign Language in Social, Educational, Technological, and Media Contexts: Raising Awareness and Enriching Communication for and with the Deaf Community”.
Organized within the framework of the PKKZH (National Research and Development Projects), funded by AKKSHI (National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation), the conference brought together researchers, academic staff, interpreters, professionals, and students from various universities and institutions both domestically and internationally, creating an important platform for dialogue and exchange on:
🔹 Education and training in sign language
🔹 Scientific research and sociolinguistic approaches
🔹 Educational policies and social awareness
🔹 Technology, media, and inclusive services
🌍 A special highlight of the conference was the presence of Mr. Villano Qirjazi, Director of the Education Department at the Council of Europe, who provided a European perspective on sign languages, equality, and inclusive educational policies.
This conference demonstrates that the development of education, services, and scientific research in Albanian Sign Language is now an academic and social priority.
🤝 Thanks to all participants, institutional partners, and the Albanian National Association of Deaf People (ANAD) for their continued cooperation.
