Cosponsored by the Disability and Development Team of the Human Development Network and the World Bank Group Office of Diversity Programs

Born deaf into a world where music is for the hearing, Signmark (a.k.a. Marko Vuoriheimo) became the first deaf in the world to sign a record deal with an international major label.

On September 24^th, a screening of “My Silent Shout”, featuring the song “Against The Wall” which was released in an event in the centre of Helsinki where hundreds of people were signing the chorus line of Signmark’s song and taking a stand for human rights, was held at the World Bank, followed by Q&A. The event was well attended, especially from the Education sector.

Winner of a 2009 Outstanding Young Person of the World award, Signmark's music style has a clean bass-line and strong vibrations that help the deaf artist to feel the music and through that adapt to the rhythm as he signs his lyrics. Hip-hop culture has a tradition to combine visual art, music and social critique, consist with Signmark's message. Performances are presented in American Sign Language and spoken English; Hip-hop artist Brandon contributes his voice for the hearing audience.

As a part of the International Deaf Awareness Week, "My Silent Shout" event was replicated on September 23rd in New York City and the video can be viewed at MySilentShout.com/press. On September 24th Signmark was appointed as a special representative of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland for promoting the rights of people with disability.

Aleksandra Posarac, Lead Human Development Economist, Disability and Development Team, The World Bank and Signmark (from left)	Q&A Session

Please visit the Disability & Development (D&D) website or the Office of Diversity Programs website for additional information.