IWDP26
International Week of Deaf People 2026
Monday 21st to Sunday 27th September 2026
This year’s theme is:
Declaring Deaf People’s Human Rights
International Week of Deaf People is a global celebration of Deaf people, sign languages, Deaf culture and Deaf communities.
In 2026, the focus is on Deaf people’s human rights. This includes the right to use sign language, access information, take part fully in society, receive equal opportunities and have Deaf people involved in decisions that affect their lives.
Throughout the week, the Irish Deaf Society will share videos, stories, events and activities linked to different themes each day.
We will also celebrate Deaf culture, Irish Sign Language and the work of Deaf people and communities across Ireland.
Follow IWDP26 each day from 21st to 27th September and join the conversation.
Monday 21st September
Deaf Flag Raising at Trinity College Dublin
Trinity College Dublin and the Centre for Deaf Studies will mark International Week of Deaf People 2026 with a Deaf Flag Raising Event on Monday, 21 September at 11am at the Pavilion, Trinity College Dublin.
The event will help open IWDP26 at TCD and celebrate Deaf culture, identity and sign language rights.
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IWDP26 Film Screening: PAL and A Quiet Love
Join the Irish Deaf Society and the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland for a special film screening during International Week of Deaf People 2026.
The evening will begin with PAL, a short film by Deaf filmmaker Shane O’Reilly. This will be followed by A Quiet Love, a documentary exploring the lives and relationships of three Deaf couples.
After the films, there will be a discussion and audience Q&A with:
- Seán Herlihy, Deaf co-producer of A Quiet Love
- Shane O’Reilly, filmmaker behind PAL
- A representative from the Irish Deaf Society
Date: Monday, 21st September 2026
Time: 5.45 pm to approximately 8.40 pm
Location: European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland, 5 Balfe Street, Dublin 2
ISL (Irish Sign language) interpreters will be provided for the welcome, discussion and audience Q&A.
This is a free event, but places are limited and advance registration is required. Places will be offered to members of the Deaf community as a priority.
This event is being held in partnership with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland.
Tuesday 22nd September
Cork Deaf Club Information Session
Cork Deaf Club and Cork Deaf Association are marking International Week of Deaf People 2026 with a programme of events across the week, including community gatherings, the lighting of Cork City Hall, International Day of Sign Languages activities, a film premiere and a Deaf community social event.
On Tuesday 22 September at 7pm, the Irish Deaf Society will join Cork Deaf Club for an information session at Cork Deaf Club. IDS Research & Policy Officer Roslyn Cunneen and Advocacy Development Officer Damien Owens will give an overview of the World Federation of the Deaf themes for the week and how they relate to Ireland.
Wednesday 23rd September
OPW Heritage Sites Light Up Blue
To mark International Day of Sign Languages, a number of OPW Heritage Ireland sites and public landmarks across Ireland will light up blue on Wednesday 23rd September in support of Deaf people, Irish Sign Language and Deaf culture.
Participating OPW sites include Casino Marino, Derrynane House, Kilkenny Castle, the Rock of Cashel and the Water Tower at Farmleigh Estate, alongside a number of other public buildings and landmarks across the country.
The initiative supports the Irish Deaf Society's IWDP26 Blue Light campaign and helps make Irish Sign Language, Deaf culture and Deaf people's rights more visible across Ireland.
Read the full OPW press release:
OPW Heritage Ireland Sites to Light Up Blue for International Week of Deaf People
Thursday 24th September
TCD ISL Conversation Circle Launch
On Thursday, 24 September from 12pm to 1pm, Trinity College Dublin and the Centre for Deaf Studies will officially launch the TCD ISL Conversation Circle at The Buttery, Trinity College Dublin.
Everyone is welcome and no previous experience of ISL is needed. The session will include basic introductions in ISL, a fingerspelling challenge and an opportunity to visit the Centre for Deaf Studies afterwards.
The ISL Conversation Circle will continue every Thursday from 12pm to 1pm.
Friday 25th September
Deaf Flag Plaque Event
Join the Irish Deaf Society and Deaf Village Ireland for a special Deaf Flag plaque unveiling event.
The plaque recognises the Deaf Flag flying proudly at Deaf Village Ireland. It explains what the Deaf Flag means and what it represents for the Deaf community.
Date: Friday, 25 September
Time: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Where: Deaf Village Ireland
After the unveiling, everyone is welcome to join us in the DVI Atrium for tea, coffee and snacks.
There will also be stalls showcasing Deaf businesses, Deaf talent and Deaf made items, including crafts, art, jewellery, knitting, woodwork and more.
This event is open to Deaf and hearing people.
Come along, learn more about the Deaf Flag, meet others and support Deaf talent.
Saturday 26th September
Seanchoíche: Stories in Sign
Join us on Saturday evening for a special Seanchoíche storytelling event as part of International Week of Deaf People 2026.
Seanchoíche brings people together to share stories in a relaxed and welcoming space. For IWDP26, Deaf storytellers will have the opportunity to share their stories in Irish Sign Language.
The evening will celebrate Deaf experiences, Deaf culture and the power of storytelling.
Date: Saturday 26th September 2026
Venue: The Fumbally, Dublin
Tickets: €27.50
Get your tickets now before its too late - Click Here
Interested in telling a story? Complete the storyteller interest form. You can also upload an ISL (Irish Sign language) video as part of your application. Complete Application Here
For more information about, ticket details and the storyteller form please contact the team - advocacy@irishdeafsociety.ie
Sunday 27th September
ISLA Festival Athy 2026
Athy Sing & Sign Club will host the ISLA Festival 2026 at Dreamland, Athy on Sunday 27th September from 11am to 7pm, as part of International Week of Deaf People.
The festival will bring together ISL, music, arts, family activities and community events throughout the day, including music workshops, ISL meets STEM, aerial performances, live caricatures, dance, games, Cork Deaf Choir, a marine touch pool, Sing & Sign activities and more. The festival will also feature a special live performance from internationally renowned Deaf artist SIGNMARK.
ISLA Festival 2026 is proudly supported by the Irish Deaf Society.
More information is available at www.athysingandsign.com/isla-festival-2026.
