I have been a manager in Advocacy Services at the Irish Deaf Society for over 20 years, ensuring the efficient day-to-day operation and management of the five Advocacy staff: Information Officer, Adminstrator, Project Officer, Community Outreach Officer and Front Desk Administrator, Each of them has their own roles and responsibilities, and together we achieve our agreed-upon goals.
Our service is unique because it is led by Deaf people. We aim to support and provide information for Deaf people in their preferred language, Irish Sign Language. We empower Deaf people to recognise discrimination and promote equality, equity, and inclusion. I collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including the CEO, Board Directors, Staff, and international organisations such as World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) and European Union of the Deaf (EUD).
I also liaise with disability organisations like Disabled Person’s Organisation Network (DPO) and represent IDS on State committees, steering groups, focus groups, and working groups concerning Deaf and/or disabled issues.
