International Week of Deaf People
Press Release
Irish Sign Language Awareness Week 2024
“Sign Up for Sign Language Rights” with Irish Deaf Society (IDS) and celebrate “International Week of Deaf People 2024”, and “Irish Sign Language Awareness Week” – 23rd to 29th September.
The theme of this year’s celebration is “Sign Up for Sign Language Rights.” This theme is in line with our vision where Deaf people in Ireland have full access to and can participate fully in all aspects of society. The ISL Act 2017 recognises ISL as the native language of the Deaf community and grants rights such as access to public services via the provision of ISL interpreters. This week, we will focus on sign language rights in Ireland and our advocacy for full implementation of the ISL Act 2017.
The International Week of Deaf People (IWDP) is an initiative of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) and is celebrated annually by global Deaf communities each year. During this week of celebrations, 70 million Deaf people in Deaf communities around the world welcome the involvement of families of Deaf people, professional and accredited sign language interpreters, and other stakeholders including national Governments, human rights organisations, and disabled persons organisations.
Monday 23rd September is International Day of Sign Languages 2024. On this day, the WFD, with the support of the IDS calls upon all governments to take measures to ensure full implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) at national level through the linguistic human rights of Deaf people. Without recognition of sign languages and sign language rights, Deaf people cannot claim other human rights. IDS campaigns for Deaf people’s full and equal access to public services as well as social, cultural, educational and medical services. Further, IDS calls on public bodies to ensure they fulfil their duty under the ISL Act 2017 by ensuring ISL interpreters are provided for access to services. Throughout the week, we will be calling on Irish politicians, and the public to sign our ISL Charter.
The IDS and other Deaf organisations have a range of activities planned to recognise and celebrate the week. Some activities planned by the IDS include:
– “Did you know?” video series focusing on interesting facts about Deaf culture and sign language
– Updates from our Further Education and Training Department
– Updates on the ISL Act implementation and review
– Emergency Services information events for Deaf people
– Content celebrating diversity in the Deaf community
– Cultural events hosted by IDS including comedy and drama
– Deaf Career Day
More information on any of these events can be found on our website www.irishdeafsociety.ie.
The Irish Deaf Society (IDS) is the only national Deaf-led representative organisation of the Deaf and is recognised as a Disabled Peoples Organisation (DPO) under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). IDS campaigns for equality and rights and provides advocacy and education services for Deaf people and Deaf Awareness Training and ISL courses to the general public.
ENDS
Contact: John Sherwin CEO – 089 427 8663
ceo@irishdeafsociety.ie
www.irishdeafsociety.ie
https://twitter.com/IrishDeafSoc
https://www.facebook.com/IrishDeafSociety/
Keep an eye out on our social media – Facebook / Twitter / Instagram for updates #IWDP24 #IWDP #IDSL #ISLAwarenessWeek
