Advocacy

Elaine Grehan, Advocacy Manager

I have been a manager in Advocacy Services at the Irish Deaf Society for over 20 years, ensuring the efficient day-to-day operation and management of the five Advocacy staff: Information Officer, Adminstrator, Project Officer, Community Outreach Officer and Front Desk Administrator, Each of them has their own roles and responsibilities, and together we achieve our agreed-upon goals.

Our service is unique because it is led by Deaf people. We aim to support and provide information for Deaf people in their preferred language, Irish Sign Language. We empower Deaf people to recognise discrimination and promote equality, equity, and inclusion. I collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including the CEO, Board Directors, Staff, and international organisations such as World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) and European Union of the Deaf (EUD).

I also liaise with disability organisations like Disabled Person’s Organisation Network (DPO) and represent IDS on State committees, steering groups, focus groups, and working groups concerning Deaf and/or disabled issues. 
 

Orla Grehan, Information Officer

The Information Office in the Atrium is a place where Deaf people can come in and ask me for information about the Irish Deaf Society (IDS), its departments—Advocacy, Further Education & Training (FET), and Fundraising—and looking for information about Deaf people's rights.

Deaf people can come in looking for answers to their general questions, no matter how big or small, if they are not advocacy related. 

I can help find information online and direct people to relevant services, referring them to Advocacy or FET for additional support. I assist with accessing online resources, updating information on rights and services and providing translation assistance.

Visit the Information Office at the Atrium, DVI – open Monday to Thursday, 9am–5pm. Contact via text or video call at 0872040026 or email orla@irishdeafsociety.ie.
 

Devin Quinn, Advocacy Administrator

Hello, my name is Devin. I am the Advocacy Administrator here at the Irish Deaf Society. I work with the Advocacy team on campaigns, projects, community work, and awareness. I also support parents of Deaf children and the public, when they contact IDS.

You can contact IDS Advocacy for help. For example, if you have questions, are looking for information, need to make a phone call or send an email, fill out a form, need support writing letters, or receive a letter you don’t understand, I can support you.

You can contact me by text on Whatsapp 086 440 1443 or Email: devin@irishdeafsociety.ie.

 
David Somers, Advocacy Project Officer

My name is David, and I’m part of the Advocacy team at the Irish Deaf Society. I support Deaf people in areas such as employment, including CV preparation, interview support, career pathways, and understanding workplace rights. I also work closely with our National Council Members across Ireland, helping to make sure local Deaf community voices are heard and represented. Alongside my colleague Orla, I help manage IDS social media to keep the Deaf community informed about news, events, and developments within the Irish Deaf Society.

If you need support with jobs or employment, or want to talk about National Council matters, please make an appointment in advance. You can book an appointment by WhatsApp or text on WhatsApp - 087 353 8953 or emailing david@irishdeafsociety.ie – Making an appointment in advance helps make sure there is enough time for your query.

Damien Owens, Advocacy Development Officer

Hi, my name is Damien. 

I am the Advocacy Development Officer at the Irish Deaf Society. My role is to work with Deaf-led groups, Deaf clubs, and National Council Members across Ireland. 

I support these groups to stay connected with IDS, share their views, and take part in discussions that affect the Deaf community. This may include meetings, consultations, community visits, and local engagement. I also link in with the Advocacy team on areas such as planning, governance, leadership, funding, and keeping Deaf-led groups active for the future. 

Another part of my role is to bring feedback from Deaf communities back into IDS. This helps support our advocacy work, policy work, research, and future planning. 

 If you are thinking about starting a Deaf organisation, or developing a Deaf group in your area, we can support you and guide you through the process. You can contact me at email: damien@irishdeafsociety.ie or videocall/text on WhatsApp- 086 8100358. 

Dearbhla Deeney, Deaf Awareness Administrator

Gillian Boate, Front Desk Adminstrator

Hello, my name is Gillian, and I work at the front desk in IDS.  I make bookings for Advocacy team. If you have problem, tell me what about, maybe Job or education, access to interpreters, government services. Tell me and I’ll pick the best person to help you.

If you want to get in touch me with me, my phone number is 089 462 5290 and my email address is info@irishdeafsociety.ie.