their informed consent. These policies caused not only psychological trauma, but also physical harm, leaving behind lasting, embodied scars.
The legacy of these national laws and policies continues to affect the deaf and sign language community, shaping collective memory, identity, and trust in public institutions.
Today, it is estimated that there are between 4,000 and 5,000 users of Finnish Sign Language, and around 90 users of Finnish-Swedish Sign Language. The number of users of both sign languages is steadily declining. In addition to the long history of injustice, recent technological and educational developments have also contributed to this trend.
One major factor is the widespread adoption of cochlear implants. These implants have become a standard medical procedure for children born deaf. However, parents often are not informed about the option of a bilingual approach that includes sign language alongside spoken language. Many children with cochlear implants are therefore not introduced to sign language and grow up without access to the sign language community.
Another significant change has been the closure or merging of schools for the deaf. Instead of attending specialized schools, most deaf children now go to local mainstream schools. Only a few schools still offer Finnish Sign Language classes
or bilingual education, and even these programs are limited. The remaining sign language classes typically have very few deaf pupils and often include students with multiple disabilities and varied backgrounds. These schools generally do not actively recruit or encourage deaf pupils to enroll in their sign language programs.
In some municipalities, transportation services for deaf pupils have been cut. This has forced families to send their children to nearby schools that do not offer a sign language environment. Without accessible education in sign language, both the language and culture associated with it are further marginalized.
This situation poses a serious threat to the vitality of the sign language community. The lack of institutional support, combined with inadequate parental guidance and policy gaps, continues to weaken the linguistic and cultural foundation of the community.
Current status of the truth and reconciliation process
Our study, Signed Memories, confirmed the serious historical injustices experienced by the deaf and sign language community in Finland. These injustices
3. Girls’ dormitory at the Porvoo school for the deaf around the 1900s( Archive of the Finnish Deaf History Society)
Deep VIEW
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