Deaf Awareness Training

 

 

 

Deaf Awareness Training (DAT) aims to highlight the experience of the Deaf Community and the issues and barriers that they face. This programme has the hope of giving guidance and clarity to those who have little or no experience with the Deaf Community, creating understanding and an ability to communicate in a Deaf-friendly way. It seeks to show the culture and language of the Deaf community. Awareness of the Deaf community is needed in order to break down barriers and unfounded attitudes.

Through practical learning, open discussion, and reflection, participants gain the knowledge and confidence to create environments where Deaf people can participate fully and equally.

What You’ll Learn

Our comprehensive, interactive workshop covers key topics such as:

• Irish Sign Language (ISL): A brief introduction to ISL and an overview of the ISL Act 2017
• Deaf Community & Culture: Understanding Deaf identity, community values, and the concept of positive Deafness
• Communication Barriers & Solutions: Exploring real-world challenges and effective approaches to accessibility
• Inclusive Language and Terminology: Promoting respectful and accurate communication
• Lip-Reading Challenge: Experiencing how visual communication differs from spoken communication
• Practical Communication Tips: Simple strategies to make your workplace or service more Deaf-inclusive
• ISL Mini-Session: Learn how to sign your name and key greetings
• Q&A and Discussion: An open space to ask questions and share insights

 

Why Choose DAT?

• Deaf-led perspective: Learn directly from Deaf trainers with lived experience and professional expertise.
• Inclusive practice: Gain the tools to make your services and communications more accessible for all.
• Compliance and best practice: Supports your organisation’s obligations under the ISL Act 2017 and Public Sector Equality Duty.
• Engaging and practical: Interactive content designed to inspire meaningful, lasting change.

 

Learning Options:

• In-person/ Zoom workshops – Ideal for teams, workplaces, and schools seeking a dynamic group experience.
• DAT Online: Self-Paced Awareness Training – Learn at your own pace through our new interactive e-learning platform.

Both options offer the same expert Deaf-led content, designed to promote equality and inclusion through better understanding.

 

Testmonies:

“An excellent and inspiring session! The presenters were engaging, the delivery was fun and interactive, and the content was both moving and educational. Everyone came away with a deeper understanding of the Deaf community and practical ways to improve accessibility.”

— House of the Oireachtas

“The Deaf Awareness Training was fantastic – informative, eye-opening, and engaging. It really made me realise the barriers Deaf people face that I’d never considered before. The presenters were wonderful, and I left inspired to learn ISL and make my workplace more inclusive.”

— Accenture Global Solutions

 

Get Involved:

Be part of creating a more inclusive Ireland. Email: deafawareness@irishdeafsociety.ie Text/Call: 086 834 2253

Together, we can strengthen communication, accessibility, and equality across all sectors.