Organization
Irish Deaf Society(IDS)
The Irish Deaf Society is Ireland's only national Deaf-led representative organisation, founded in 1981 to campaign for Irish Sign Language rights, equal access, and full inclusion for Deaf people. Based at Deaf Village Ireland in Dublin, they provide ISL advocacy, employment support, and community programmes.
About
Founded in 1981 and based at Deaf Village Ireland in Dublin's Cabra neighbourhood, the Irish Deaf Society (IDS) is the only national Deaf-led representative body in Ireland. They operate bilingually in Irish Sign Language (ISL) and English, and were central to the campaign that secured constitutional recognition of ISL rights and the landmark Irish Sign Language Act 2017.
What They Do
IDS campaigns for the rights of Deaf people in legislation, education, and public services, and provides ISL interpretation referral, community social programmes, and peer support networks. They run ISL classes, a Deaf Awareness training service for organisations and workplaces, and support Deaf people navigating employment and independent living. Their DPO Network connects Deaf-led and Deaf-focused organisations across Ireland.
Who They Serve
IDS serves Deaf people of all ages across Ireland, particularly those who use Irish Sign Language as their primary language. They also support hearing families of Deaf children, interpreters, and organisations wishing to become more accessible and inclusive to the Deaf community.
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