In Memory of Jacqui Browne

Statement by the Irish Deaf Society on the death of disability and equality activist Jacqui Browne

The Irish Deaf Society would like to express our grief and shock at the recent passing of our colleague and advocate Jacqui Browne.

Jacqui was a member of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) Disability Advisory Committee (DAC). Jacqui was chairperson of DESSA – the national Disability Equality Specialist Support Agency, a board member of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind and the Irish Thalidomide Association. She actively involved as a patient advocate in IPPOSI – the Irish Platform for Patient Organisations, Science and Industry and is a EUPATI Fellow – European Patient Advocacy Training Initiative.

Jacqui has worked with representatives in the Deaf community for many years and has always been a strong supporter of Irish Sign Language, taking every opportunity to support our call for access to State services on an equal basis.

Jacqui worked with the Irish Deaf Society Vice Chairperson, John Bosco Conama, towards the idea of an independent umbrella group of disability-led representative organisations. This led to the formation of the DPO Coalition and later the DPO Network, both of which the Irish Deaf Society was a founding member.

Jacqui was a huge inspiration, an effective campaigner with vision, a keen sense of strategy and a great sense of humour. More than that she was a friend to the Irish Deaf Society and a supporter of our campaigns.

Jacqui will be missed, and her legacy is a Disabled Persons Organisation (DPO) sector that is effectively engaging with Government as partners to achieve full implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Ireland.

Rest in peace, your work and life has improved and empowered ours.

Further statements about Jacqui and her achievements can be seen on the:

 

Published: 25th June 2025

 

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Irish Deaf Society