Christmas Message 2025
As we come to the end of the year, we want to thank our Deaf community, supporters, partners and colleagues for everything we have achieved together. Your commitment and collaboration have shaped so much of our work, and we are grateful for the shared effort throughout the year.
Wishing you a peaceful Christmas and a chance to rest and recharge. We look forward to continuing this work with you in the new year.
Strengthening ISL Assessment in FET
We are proud to share an important step forward for Irish Sign Language learning and training.
The Irish Deaf Society, working with Education and Training Boards Ireland, delivered the first ISL External Authenticator training for the ETB and FET sector. Six Deaf participants successfully completed the programme and are now recognised as ISL External Authenticators.
External Authenticators play a key role in making sure ISL assessments are fair, consistent, and meet QQI standards. As Deaf experts, they review assessment processes and outcomes to ensure learners’ work is marked properly and in line with national requirements.
This training supports stronger quality assurance across ISL programmes and recognises Deaf leadership and expertise within education.
We would like to thank ETBI for supporting this training, and we warmly congratulate our new ISL External Authenticators:
Senan Dunne | Bernie Walsh | Kevin Mulqueen | John Patrick Doherty | Patricia Clarke | Wayne Reid
IDS’s Position Paper on Mental Health
The Irish Deaf Society’s new Mental Health Policy Paper highlights the barriers Deaf people face in accessing mental health services and calls for culturally appropriate, accessible support across Ireland.
Learn more about our Mental health Position Paper: CLICK HERE
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