International Week of Deaf People takes place this week.
The Cork Deaf Association (CDA) has launched a major new Sign Language initiative which will see thousands of public sector workers receiving upskilling and awareness training. The project was launched by Jerry Buttimer, Minister of State for Rural and Community Development, Charities and Transport at the start of International Week of Deaf People.
The project offers targeted deaf awareness workshops to Cork based public bodies. A major part of the project also was developing a deaf awareness module for HSeLanD.ie, the national online training platform for the HSE. This platform supports the upskilling of over 10,000 HSE staff in the Cork and Kerry region alone.
The Cork Deaf Association celebrated the launch of the project, which is called: Deaf Awareness, Public Service and the ISL Act at their premises in Cork. This initiative is an Irish Sign Language Act initiative that is designed to create awareness, educate and support public bodies in meeting their obligations under the Irish Sign Language Act.
The program aligns with the goals of International Week of Deaf People, which runs from today to Sunday, September 28th, to promote the human rights, culture, and achievements of the Deaf Community.
The Irish Sign Language (ISL) Act 2017 places a statutory duty on all public bodies to provide free interpretation of statutory entitlements and services. The Act was a significant milestone for the Irish Deaf Community although little changed in relation to ISL access in subsequent years.
A National Disability Report, published in 2023, found that over 50% of State bodies were either not aware of the ISL Act or were not aware of their responsibilities to Ireland’s Deaf citizens under the Act.
In response, the Cork Deaf Association developed the Deaf Awareness, Public Service and the ISL Act campaign. The organisation received €65,000 from Rethink Ireland’s Resilient Cork fund to put their plan into action.
During the campaign, Minister Buttimer lent his support to the Deaf Community which led to the ISL Act. Speaking at the launch, he said: “I am delighted to join you today, during International Week of the Deaf. This year’s theme, ‘No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights,’ reminds us that access to Sign Language is not only about communication - it’s about equality, meaningful inclusion and human rights.
“It was a privilege to witness first-hand the power and passion of the Deaf Community campaign which led to the passing of the Irish Sign Language Act nearly a decade ago. I am proud to stand here today in support of this important Cork Deaf Association initiative on this special week. This project, which assists public bodies to understand and meet their obligations under the ISL Act, is helping to turn rights into everyday reality.
“I wish everyone a very happy International Week of the Deaf’.
Susan O’Callaghan, Cork Deaf Association Advocacy Officer, said: “It's so important that we keep working towards better access, stronger support, and real recognition of Deaf rights. We're grateful for the Minister’s support and excited to begin this new chapter through the Rethink Ireland project.”
Gerrie O’Grady, Executive Manager of the Cork Deaf Association, added: “The Minister has been a tremendous friend to the Cork Deaf Association and to the wider Deaf Community. His presence at the launch was a powerful moment of continuity and shared commitment to fully accessible public services.”
For more information about the ISL project and how to access Cork Deaf Association support and services, please contact mail@corkdeaf.ie, call (021) 4505944 or text (086) 853 5574. Visit the website www.corkdeaf.ie.
