> Mon 21st Sept
As we begin ISL Awareness Week in Ireland, alongside International Week of Deaf People 2026, we are highlighting the importance of Irish Sign Language as a recognised language and a fundamental part of Deaf people’s rights.
For #Deaf people in Ireland, Irish Sign Language is part of our language, identity, culture and community. Legal recognition matters, but rights must also work in practice.
Sign language rights are human rights. ISL must be respected, protected and included across Irish society.
As part of ISL Awareness Week and International Week of Deaf People 2026, we asked a simple question: what do hearing people really want to know about Deaf people?
We asked Ronan Farrell, Johnny Corcoran, Alan Smith and Sarah-Jane O'Regan some of the most Googled questions about Deaf people and brought their answers together.
- Do Deaf people consider themselves disabled?
This is the first in our Most Googled Questions About Deaf People series.
Four Deaf people. The same questions. Not always the same answers! The views expressed by participants are their own.
As part of ISL Awareness Week and International Week of Deaf People 2026, we’ll be sharing short clips from Deaf Perspectives: A Roundtable Discussion throughout the week.
The conversations cover a range of topics including Irish Sign Language, Deaf culture, access, community experiences and Deaf people’s rights.
The views expressed by participants are their own.
Film Screening: PAL and A Quiet Love
Earlier this week, the Irish Deaf Society partnered with the European Parliament Office in Ireland for a special evening of film and conversation at the Europa Experience.
Following the screenings, Seán Herlihy and Shane O’Reilly took part in a discussion led by IDS Information Officer Orla Grehan. The conversation explored filmmaking, Deaf representation, Irish Sign Language and the importance of Deaf voices on screen and behind the camera.
Thank you to Curious North Productions for their collaboration, our ISL interpreters, the IDS and European Parliament teams, and everyone who attended and contributed to the evening.
A memorable celebration of Deaf stories and authentic representation during International Week of Deaf People and ISL Awareness Week.
