> Sat 26th Sept
“Deaf Culture Is a Human Right.”
Deaf culture is shaped by our shared language, identity, history, experiences and connections with one another. In Ireland, Irish Sign Language is at the heart of that culture, helping us communicate, share stories, pass on knowledge and build relationships across generations.
Article 30 of the UNCRPD recognises the cultural and linguistic identity of Deaf people, including sign languages and Deaf culture.
Deaf culture should not only be celebrated during one week of the year. It should be respected, supported and included throughout Irish society, with space for Deaf led events, ISL, our history and our own stories.
Filmed on location at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7, with thanks to the Museum for supporting this content and for its continued work on Irish Sign Language access.
As we come towards the end of ISL Awareness Week and International Week of Deaf People 2026, we’re revisiting an important conversation from last year with Dr. Nora Duggan on multilingualism and Deaf education.
Dr. Duggan discusses what multilingualism can mean for Deaf people, including navigating sign and spoken languages, cultural influences, and the experiences of Deaf migrants learning both ISL and English.
The conversation remains just as relevant today as we continue to highlight the importance of accessible, inclusive and multilingual education for Deaf learners.
