Have Your Say: NDA Review of the Irish Sign Language Act 2017
The National Disability Authority (NDA) prepared the first report on the operation of the Irish Sign Language Act 2017 in 2021.
In July 2025, the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality asked the NDA to prepare a follow-up report. The NDA is now preparing this report, reviewing how the Act has been implemented during the period 2020–2025.
The NDA wants to hear from Deaf people, parents of Deaf children, professionals, and anyone with experience using or booking ISL services about what has worked, what challenges remain, and what solutions could improve implementation.
Topics include:
- Access to public services
- ISL tuition and supports in education
- Access to interpreting schemes and vouchers
- Access to courts, government funds, and television in ISL
Surveys are available in English and ISL, with a general survey and one specifically for parents/guardians of Deaf children.
Two focus groups will also take place:
- Hearing-led group: 2 October 2025
- Deaf-led group (facilitated by IDS Advocacy Manager Elaine Grehan): 7 October 2025, 7–9pm – Register for Zoom
Deadline to complete surveys: 10 October 2025
Full details and links: nda.ie/monitoring/irish-sign-language/isl-act-report-2025
Support shape the future of ISL access and rights.
IDS Welcomes New Board Members
At our AGM in Limerick last June, the Irish Deaf Society welcomed two new members to the Board: Rachael, Programme Manager with Google.org, and Fiona, Youth Development Officer with the Cork Deaf Association.
We are delighted to have them on board and look forward to their leadership and contributions to the IDS and the Deaf community.
Learn more about our Board of Directors here: CLICK HERE
Job Opportunity: Advocacy Administrator
Location: IDS Office, Dublin 7 (hybrid – majority office based)
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week
Contract: Permanent (subject to probation)
Salary: From €31,000 (depending on experience)
Start Date: As soon as possible
If you are fluent in Irish Sign Language, highly organised, and passionate about supporting the Deaf community, we’d love to hear from you.
Deadline to apply: Friday 3rd October 2025, 5pm
Interviews: Tuesday 14th October 2025
Full job description and how to apply CLICK HERE
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