– Monday, 23rd Sept
IDS Chairperson's Opening Address
The International Week of Deaf People, led by the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), is celebrated worldwide by Deaf communities through various activities. These events welcome all Deaf community members, including families, sign language interpreters, peers, and stakeholders like governments and human rights organizations.
This year, International Week of Deaf People run from September 23-29, 2024, with the theme "Sign up for Sign Language Rights!"
To celebrate the International Day of Sign Languages 2024, the WFD is hosting a Global Leaders Challenge, promoting the use of sign languages by leaders worldwide, in collaboration with national Deaf associations.
The WFD will hold the Blue Light for Sign Languages event to highlight the unity of national sign languages. This event aims to unite people and communities worldwide through the blue light. Please find attached more information about the Blue Light for Sign Languages event.
The Irish Deaf Society asks Deaf community members to reach out to local landmarks and buildings to participate to light up their buildings in blue on Monday, September 23rd. If sharing content on social media, please tag @IrishDeafSoc and @WFDeaf, and use the hashtags #BlueLight, #IWDeaf, and #IDSL.
Day 1 - On Monday, September 23, 2024, it's the International Day of Sign Languages. We're asking you to join us and support sign language rights. We're working to make sure that deaf people's right to use sign language is respected everywhere, especially within each country's laws based on the CRPD. This effort is in preparation for the CRPD's 20th anniversary in 2026.
Day 2 - Inclusive Education - On Tuesday, September 24, 2024, there will be a discussion about making sure all students, including those who are Deaf to get a good education. The focus will be on using different languages in teaching and including Deaf students fully in classrooms. This means making sure they can learn in their national sign language. This discussion will lead to a declaration about the rights of deaf children to education - https://wfdeaf.org/rightsdeafchildren/
Day 3 - Sign Language Advocacy - On Wednesday, September 25, 2024, there was a focus on advocating for sign language rights. The goal was to urge everyone to speak up for the rights of deaf people and to push for official recognition of sign languages used in different countries. The aim was to ensure that deaf individuals have the same access to services, education, and participation in society as everyone else. The "Guidelines for Achieving Sign Language Rights" probably provided practical advice on how people and organizations can effectively advocate for the recognition and protection of sign languages. This could include things like pushing for laws, raising awareness, and getting communities involved.
Day 4 - Building Resilient Deaf Communities - Thursday, September 26, 2024, the focus was on helping deaf communities become better prepared for emergencies like natural disasters. The goal was to teach them how to handle these situations and reduce their vulnerability during crises. This likely involved providing training and resources to help deaf individuals and communities plan ahead and respond effectively to emergencies. Ultimately, the aim was to make sure deaf communities could bounce back quickly and stay safe during tough times.
Day 5 - Diversity in Deaf Communities - On Friday, September 27, 2024, the spotlight was on "Diversity in Deaf Communities." This focused on acknowledging and appreciating the different backgrounds and identities within the deaf community. It emphasized treating each deaf individual with respect, regardless of their unique characteristics or experiences. The aim was to create a community where everyone feels valued and supported, promoting acceptance and collaboration among deaf individuals from all walks of life.
Day 6 - Deaf Cultural Celebrations - On Saturday, September 28, 2024, the focus was on celebrating the diverse culture of deaf communities. This celebration highlighted the unique behaviors, traditions, beliefs, values, history, humor, and art found within these communities, all expressed through sign language. Deaf individuals take pride in their language and culture, and this event was a chance to showcase and honor their rich heritage. It aimed to promote understanding and appreciation of deaf culture, emphasizing its richness and diversity.
Day 7 - Investing in the future of deaf communities - On Sunday, September 29, 2024, the focus was on "Investing in the Future of Deaf Communities." This involved creating connections between deaf children, their families, and the broader deaf community. The goal was to ensure that deaf children have early exposure to their national sign language and access to environments rich in language. By doing so, it helps set them up for success in the future. Additionally, people were encouraged to share their vision of what they hope the future holds for deaf communities on social media. This initiative aimed to promote awareness and support for the needs and aspirations of deaf individuals and their communities.
ISL Charter
The ISL Charter outlines key commitments and goals to improve access and rights for the Deaf community. These commitments are aligned with the full implementation of the ISL Act 2017 and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
The Irish Deaf Society is asking individuals, service providers, organisations (public and private) and State bodies to support this charter by sharing it on social media and sending it to public representatives and service providers.
If you are an organisation and would like to learn more about the practical steps you can take to support the commitments in this charter, please contact the Irish Deaf Society Advocacy Department by calling 01 860 1878, text 086 440 1443 or email advocacy@irishdeafsociety.ie.
Key commitments
- Ensure access to services and information for Deaf people
Deaf people have the right to access public services and information in ISL as their native language (ISL Act 2017, Section 3) and there is a corresponding duty on public bodies to provide ISL Interpreters (ISL Act 2017, Section 6). Private sector organisations recognise that Deaf people should have equal access to their services and should pro-actively account for and provide accessible services for Deaf people. All service providers commit to full accessibility for Deaf people through the provision of ISL Interpreters and ISL translation of information along with the appropriate technology solutions such as high-quality subtitles.By supporting this Charter, you commit to the provision of services and information that are accessible to Deaf people. - Meaningfully engage with Deaf people and their representative organisations
Deaf people should be consulted with by service providers and policymakers on the design, delivery, implementation and review of services, policies and decisions that affect them. This is in line with Article 4.3 of the UNCRPD which highlights the importance of meaningful engagement with Disabled Person’s Organisations (DPOs).By supporting this Charter, you commit to meaningfully engage with Deaf people and their representative organisations about the creation of or changes to services and policies that affect them. - Support Deaf children and access to education
Deaf children should have access to inclusive education. Inclusive education for Deaf children consists of direct instruction in ISL, access to Deaf teachers and Deaf peers who use sign language, bilingual curriculum that includes the study of sign language, supportive and inclusive signing environments and opportunities to develop strong sense of linguistic and cultural identity. Further, families of Deaf children should be provided with information about ISL, the Deaf community and Deaf culture at the earliest opportunity and a sufficiently funded ISL Home Tuition Scheme should be developed to facilitate the teaching and learning of ISL to these families. Deaf children should be exposed to ISL from birth and protected from language deprivation.By supporting this Charter, you commit to supporting Deaf children, their families and access to ISL and inclusive education. - Ensure equal access to employment and inclusive working environments
Deaf people should have equal access to work and employment which are free of discrimination. The unique contribution of Deaf people as members of a linguistic and cultural minority should be celebrated in the workplace. Further, working environments should be fully accessible for Deaf people. Employers and colleagues should engage in Deaf Awareness Training and ISL interpreters should be provided.By supporting this Charter, you commit to ensuring equal access to employment and inclusive working environments for Deaf people - Promote the learning and teaching of ISL and raise awareness about Deaf culture
Opportunities for the learning of ISL should be grasped by organisations, service providers, public bodies and wider society and Deaf people should be at the front of all activities relating to teaching of ISL. Capacity-building measures must be taken to training Deaf people with the skills and qualifications to teach their national sign languages. The State should undertake measures to raise awareness about ISL and Deaf community to foster respect, combat stereotypes and highlight the unique contribution Deaf people bring to society.By supporting this Charter, you commit to promoting the learning and teaching of ISL and raising awareness about Deaf culture with Deaf people being at the forefront of these activities. - Support and promote the preservation, development and protection of ISL
The Deaf community has the right to preserve, develop and protect ISL which is critical to the vitality of the language. This can only be achieved with sufficient funding and resources. Such investment is required for the development of ISL dictionaries, corpora and translation resources. The State should undertake measures to support these endeavours.By supporting this Charter, you commit to promoting the preservation, development and protection of ISL.
Children of Deaf Adults
In this video, Catherine, a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA), shares her unique experience growing up in both the Deaf and hearing worlds. Catherine explains what it means to be a CODA, discusses the estimated number of CODAs in Ireland, and highlights how CODAs are perceived—both as part of the hearing community and as individuals with a distinct connection to Deaf culture.
Catherine also provides valuable information about how CODAs can connect with the wider CODA community and sheds light on the significance of recognizing CODAs' role in bridging both worlds. Additionally, she touches on the CODA Conference, its purpose, and how it brings CODAs together annually to celebrate and support one another.
This video is part of International Week of Deaf People 2024, celebrating the theme "Investing in the Future of Deaf Communities.
International Day of Sign languages
Why Deaf Community Groups Matter: Celebrating International Day of Sign languages
For International Day of Sign Languages 2024, we visited various Deaf community groups, including the Men’s Shed, Deaf Bowls, Folk Dancers, and ISL Classes. We asked members why these groups are so important in the Deaf community and how they support the use and promotion of Irish Sign Language (ISL). Watch as these groups share their thoughts on the vital role of community, connection, and culture in the lives of Deaf individuals.
This video is part of International Week of Deaf People 2024, celebrating the power of ISL in bringing people together.
Keep an eye out on our social media – Facebook / Twitter / Instagram for updates #IWDP24 #IWDP #IDSL #ISLAwarenessWeek
