IWDP25 Draft
International Week of Deaf People 2025
22nd to 28th September 2025
International Week of Deaf People 2025 focused on the global theme “No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights.” Throughout the week, the Irish Deaf Society shared ISL videos, research, community activities and partnerships highlighting Deaf leadership, education, access and sign language rights.
Mon 22nd September: Deaf Communities Leading
The week began by celebrating Deaf leadership. IDS welcomed Rachael Bleakley and Fiona Landers to the IDS Board of Directors and highlighted the important role of Deaf people in leading decisions that affect the Deaf community.
IDS also renamed rooms at our offices in honour of Deaf people who made an important contribution to Deaf history, culture and community life in Ireland.
Other activities included an information stand at St Vincent’s University Hospital and IDS representation at the Cork Deaf Association launch of Deaf Awareness, the ISL Act and Public Bodies.
Tues 23rd September: No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights
Tuesday marked the International Day of Sign Languages. IDS launched the research report Barriers to Studying and Working as an ISL Interpreter, developed with Dr Gearóidín McEvoy.
The research supports the need to increase the number of qualified ISL interpreters in Ireland and improve access to interpreter training and employment.
IDS also partnered with Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail to display ISL awareness content at Heuston, Tara Street and Pearse stations.
Read the ISL interpreter research report
Wed 24th September: Multilingual Education for Deaf Learners
IDS spoke with Dr Nora Duggan about multilingualism, Deaf education and the experiences of Deaf migrants. The discussion explored how Deaf people use different signed and spoken languages across education, family and community life.
The day also highlighted the lasting impact of oralism and the importance of education that respects the language, culture and identity of Deaf learners.
The Irish Deaf Men’s Shed welcomed Alvean Jones from IDS Further Education and Training for a discussion about Deaf men in Irish history.
Read the IDS policy paper on Deaf education
Thurs 25th September: Deaf Rights in Crises
IDS highlighted the barriers Deaf people face when accessing mental health support and emergency information.
The IDS Mental Health Position Paper explains how communication barriers, isolation and language deprivation can negatively affect Deaf people’s well-being. It also highlights why access to ISL is an essential part of mental health care.
IDS also attended an awareness event at TU Dublin Blanchardstown and shared information about visual alarms, text-based emergency contact and accessible public information.
Fri 26th September: Recognition of National Sign Languages
Friday focused on the legal recognition and protection of national sign languages.
Irish Sign Language was legally recognised through the Irish Sign Language Act 2017. However, continued action is needed to ensure the Act is properly implemented across public services.
IDS also shared videos explaining that sign languages are not universal. Countries and communities have their own sign languages, each with their own grammar, history and cultural identity.
Sat 27th September: Sign Language Access Services
Saturday focused on the right of Deaf people to choose appropriate language access services, including qualified ISL interpreters and Deaf Interpreters.
Ahead of IWDP25, IDS delivered Deaf Awareness Training to the Jameson Distillery Bow Street team to support ISL tours in Dublin and Midleton.
Qualified interpreters help ensure communication is clear, accurate and confidential. Deaf Interpreters can also play an important role in complex, sensitive or cross-cultural situations.
Sun 28th September: Looking to the Future
The week ended with a closing message from the IDS Chairperson, looking back on a week of Deaf leadership, ISL access, education, research, awareness and community participation.
Highlights included ISL content in Irish Rail stations, the Deaf Flag raised at RTÉ, university and hospital information stands, ISL tours, research launches and community events.
Thank you to our partners, National Council Members and everyone who took part in International Week of Deaf People 2025.
Together, we continue working towards a future where Deaf people everywhere can sign anywhere.
#IWDP25 #IWDP #IDSL #ISLAwarenessWeek
