Who we are
Elaine Grehan
I have been a manager in Advocacy Services at the Irish Deaf Society for over 20 years, ensuring the efficient day-to-day operation and management of the five Advocacy staff: Information Officer, Adminstrator, Project Officer, Community Outreach Officer and Front Desk Administrator, Each of them has their own roles and responsibilities, and together we achieve our agreed-upon goals.
Our service is unique because it is led by Deaf people. We aim to support and provide information for Deaf people in their preferred language, Irish Sign Language. We empower Deaf people to recognise discrimination and promote equality, equity, and inclusion. I collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including the CEO, Board Directors, Staff, and international organisations such as World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) and European Union of the Deaf (EUD).
I also liaise with disability organisations like Disabled Person’s Organisation Network (DPO) and represent IDS on State committees, steering groups, focus groups, and working groups concerning Deaf and/or disabled issues.
Orla Grehan
The Information Office in the Atrium is a place where Deaf people can come in and ask me for information about the Irish Deaf Society (IDS), its departments—Advocacy, Further Education & Training (FET), and Fundraising—and looking for information about Deaf people's rights.
Deaf people can come in looking for answers to their general questions, no matter how big or small, if they are not advocacy related.
I can help find information online and direct people to relevant services, referring them to Advocacy or FET for additional support. I assist with accessing online resources, updating information on rights and services and providing translation assistance.
Visit the Information Office at the Atrium, DVI – open Monday to Thursday, 9am–5pm. Contact via text or video call at 0872040026 or email orla@irishdeafsociety.ie.
Edel Walsh
Hi! My name is Edel, and my role in the Advocacy team is Advocacy Administrator!
I work Monday to Friday, in the IDS office in the Thomas Mahon building DVI.
I do a lot of different administrative tasks for the Advocacy department, such as applying for funding, or supporting with submissions to the Government. However, one big part of my role is advocating for Deaf clients. I can advocate for you and support you in many different ways. One example – if you’re not happy with your job or with someone treating you unfairly and want to make a complaint, or go to the WRC, I can support you through that!
I am always happy to meet you and see what I can do to support you! If you want to meet with me, you can make an appointment by texting on WhatsApp - 0864401443 or emailing edel@irishdeafsociety.ie – it is best to make an appointment in advance as I want to make sure I can give your query the time and attention it needs!
I also look after the Deaf Awareness training so if you are interested in learning more about this, you can contact me for more information! - Link to Deaf Awareness Training section
David Somers
My name is David, and I'm a member of the Advocacy team at the Irish Deaf Society. My role is to support you in areas like employment, engaging with our National Council members, and staying connected through social media.
Here’s how I can help:
- Employment Support: I provide guidance and resources to support you find and navigate (journey different) job opportunities, including CV, Cover Letter & Interview prep, educational pathways to employment, employment rights etc.
- National Council Engagement: I work closely with National Council members, supporting them to address local concerns and make sure their voice is represented well.
- Social Media Connection: Orla, and I manage our social media channels to keep you informed and engaged with the latest news, events, and plans from the Irish Deaf Society.
I’m here to advocate for your needs and support you achieve your goals.
Emily Matassa
Hi! My name is Emily, and I work as a Community Outreach Officer with the Advocacy team. I get to support and manage National Council Members, who are Deaf-led organisations across Ireland like Galway, Donegal, Athlone, Kerry. We have over 20 National Council Members, amazing!
If you’re keen to start a Deaf organisation in your local area, I can support and work with you!
My job is to link up with National Council Members to help figure out what they need and create services that make a real difference. I also travel around to meet them in their local areas, so we can have important, open conversations with the Deaf community about how to build a better future. This helps them understand what services the Irish Deaf Society (IDS) can offer.
My working hours are different from others, my hours are very flexible, I can work in the evening or at weekends. I’ll be teaming up with my colleague David to set up training and workshops, and working with my manager Elaine to advise on areas that need attention and help put management decisions into action.
My phone number is 086 810 0358 and my email address is emily@irishdeafsociety.ie if you want to get in touch with me! Looking forward to meeting you all!
Gillian Boate
Hello, my name is Gillian, and I work at the front desk in IDS. I make bookings for Advocacy team. If you have problem, tell me what about, maybe Job or education, access to interpreters, government services. Tell me and I’ll pick the best person to help you.
If you want to get in touch me with me, my phone number is 089 462 5290 and my email address is info@irishdeafsociety.ie.