> Sun 27th Sept
The final day of ISL Awareness Week and International Week of Deaf People 2026.
In our final themed video, IDS CEO John Sherwin reflects on today’s theme, “75 Years of Human Rights,” marking 75 years since the World Federation of the Deaf was founded in 1951.
Across those 75 years, Deaf organisations around the world have worked to advance Deaf people’s human rights, sign language rights and equality. Here in Ireland, that progress has also been driven by years of Deaf advocacy, leadership and campaigning.
Important progress has been made, including the legal recognition of Irish Sign Language and Ireland’s ratification of the UNCRPD, but rights must be experienced in everyday life, not just written into law.
Deaf people’s rights are human rights.
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.
Deaf Awareness Training session with RTÉ
As part of International Week of Deaf People 2026 and ISL Awareness Week, the Irish Deaf Society delivered a tailored.
The training focused on Irish Sign Language, Deaf culture, communication, accessibility in broadcasting, working with Deaf contributors and colleagues, and the importance of authentic Deaf representation in the media.
It was a positive and engaging session, with RTÉ staff taking part in discussions and activities designed to build confidence and understanding around Deaf awareness and inclusive communication.
We were also delighted to hear directly from participants afterwards about what they had learned and how the training gave them new perspectives on communicating with Deaf colleagues and understanding the Deaf community.
A big thank you to RTÉ for their engagement and support during ISL Awareness Week, and to everyone involved in making the session such a success.
Interested in Deaf Awareness Training? Get in touch with the Irish Deaf Society today - https://www.irishdeafsociety.ie/deaf-awareness-training/
