Ms. Wendy Murray, Chairperson of the Irish Deaf Society is proud to announce the launch of the newly revamped website for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing which aims to be the first fully accessible Irish Sign Language Website*.
Irish Sign Language is the first and preferred language of the Deaf Community in Ireland and is the indigenous language of the Deaf community. Research shows that sign languages are full languages with its own complex linguistic structure, rules and features. It is a visual and spatial language with its own distinct grammar and not only is it a language of the hands, but also of the face and body. Irish Sign Language has no official status in Irish legislation and this is a vital aim of the Irish Deaf Society to get recognition and upholds the status of ISL in Ireland particularly in education where its acquisition as a first language for Deaf children is so vital.
Wendy Murray, Chairperson says “We are delighted to finally showcase our website. It will be accessible in both Irish Sign Language and written English and shows the substantial work that the Irish Deaf Society does, especially in relation to ISL recognition and the human rights of Deaf people”
The new website features an updated parents section with extracts from the IDS publication “Information for Parents” which is a useful guide for any parent who recently finds out their child is deaf. The website also includes information about our:
- Irish Sign Language Classes
- Day and evening classes for the Deaf
- National Advocacy Service
- Irish Sign Language Recognition Campaign
- Fundraising
Our Mission Statement: The Irish Deaf Society seeks to achieve and promote the Equality and Rights of Deaf people in Ireland. On the grounds of the Irish Constitution and Human Rights and international legislation, the ambition of full access to citizenship and society is sought through the empowerment and mobilisation of the Deaf community. With an awareness of their identity and their rights as individuals, Deaf people in Ireland are enabled to celebrate their culture and to fight for the recognition of Irish Sign Language (ISL), and break down the barriers of discrimination.
The new Irish Deaf Society website was designed by Deaf freelance web designer Ronan Lowry
For more details, you can contact the Irish Deaf Society at:
Email: info@www.irishdeafsociety.ie / Phone: 01-8601878
Notes to Editor:
- Acceptable terminology when describing a Deaf person: Deaf or Hard of Hearing
- Please refer to Irish Sign Language in full (and not shortened to “sign language” or as “signed English”)
*There will be some information on our website which will have no ISL translation. This includes newsfeeds, contact details and listings.