> Mon 22nd Sept

Deaf communities leading

Two new members to the IDS Board of Directors.

As we celebrate International Week of Deaf People 2025 and its focus on leaders within our community, we are proud to welcome two new members to the IDS Board of Directors.

At our AGM in Limerick last June, Rachael Bleakley, Programme Manager with Google.org, and Fiona Landers , Youth Development Officer with the Cork Deaf Association, joined the Board.

We look forward to their leadership and contributions to the IDS and the Deaf community.

Meet our full Board of Directors here: https://www.irishdeafsociety.ie/about/board-of-directors/

 

IDS Room Names

Deaf-led alliances, in collaboration with governments and other organisations, play a vital role in advancing sign language rights. Following the motto ‘nothing about us without us’, true progress comes from partnerships where deaf people lead and others support them as committed allies.

The Irish Deaf Society has renamed our rooms to honour prolific Deaf leaders who have made a lasting impact on our community. Each name reflects the leadership, vision, and strength of the Deaf community

You can learn more about each of these remarkable figures through Irish Sign Language – links below
Lady Mary O'Brien - https://vimeo.com/1076352612
George Percy Patrick, Lord Carbery - https://vimeo.com/1076352488
Charles Joseph Kickham - https://vimeo.com/1076352230

Did you know....

Did you know the Irish Sign Language Act was passed in 2017 after years of campaigning by the Deaf community? This law officially recognises ISL in Ireland and gives Deaf people the right to use ISL when accessing State services.

Did you know....

Around 5,000 Deaf people in Ireland use Irish Sign Language (ISL) every day.

On top of that, there are an estimated 40,000+ ISL users among family, friends, and allies.

An Information Stand at St. Vincent's University Hospital

Our Information Officer and Deaf Awareness Administrator represented the Irish Deaf Society today at St. Vincent's University Hospital.

We were invited to host an information stand to raise awareness about Irish Sign Language (ISL), share resources, and highlight this year’s global theme: “No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights”.

A big thank you to St. Vincent's University Hospital for the warm welcome and support in promoting ISL Awareness Week and Deaf Awareness.

Info Stand 1
Info Stand 2

 

CDA Launch - Deaf Awareness, ISL Act & Public Bodies

Description

Our Advocacy Manager Elaine Grehan attended the launch of “Deaf Awareness, ISL Act & Public Bodies”, hosted by the Cork Deaf Association. 
 
 The event was officially launched by Minister Jerry Buttimer, Minister of State for Charities, Gaeltacht and the Islands & Rural Transport. 
 
 This launch is another step in raising awareness of the ISL Act and ensuring public bodies deliver on accessibility and inclusion.

Keep an eye out on our social media – Facebook / X.com / Instagram for updates #IWDP25 #IWDP #IDSL #ISLAwarenessWeek

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Irish Deaf Society