Elections will be held in 27 countries from 6th to 9th June. Ireland has picked Friday, 7th June. Altogether, 720 MEPs are needed across the 27 EU countries. Ireland needs to elect 14 MEPs. Note: Germany needs the most MEPs at 96, followed by France at 81 – on the long list. Turning to Ireland, we need 14 MEPs. Information for voters: You must be over 18 years old. Anyone from the EU living in Ireland can vote, as well as Irish citizens. We will know the candidates who live in Ireland from the EU for the elections from 15th to 22nd April. Irish citizens who are interested to be elected by 30th ..read more

Community News: January 2024   Development and Engagement of National Council Members In the initial planning phase, the CEO, Advocacy Manager, and Advocacy Project Officer refined the NCM strategy for 2024. They focused on governance, policy updates, and compliance. They also explored ways to improve communication, like translating information into Irish Sign Language and creating a dedicated website portal. Discussions included training, collaboration, and budget considerations, showing positive progress in NCM planning. Mental Health Working Group The Advocacy Manager will have a meeti ..read more

The Government has called for two referendums on Care and Family to take place on Friday 8 March 2024, asking the people of Ireland if they want to accept or reject the proposed changes to Article 41 of the Constitution. Below you can find the referendum information booklet in ISL linked below.   Please remember: Don’t let others tell you what to do! Check out video examples below that will give you ideas about speaking up for yourself.   So, you should vote for what you believe or think is right. Make sure you have a voter card for March 8th. Check online to see if you are regis ..read more

Are you fluent in Irish Sign Language? We have an exciting opportunity for you. We are seeking a skilled English teacher who can effectively communicate using Irish Sign Language, specifically for teaching Irish Deaf individuals. Join us in making a positive impact on the lives of the Irish Deaf community. Help them enhance their English language skills while embracing their unique culture. If you have the qualifications, experience, and fluency in Irish Sign Language, we want to hear from you. Don’t miss this chance to become an English teacher for Irish Deaf individuals. Apply now and be par ..read more

The results of the 2022 National census are in the news this week. The CSO is the organisation that manages the census.  The results of the 2022 census show a decrease in the number of people using Irish Sign Language (ISL) since the previous census in 2016. IDS believe that this data is not accurate for a number of reasons:  The questions in the census about ISL are not clear and can be confusing.   IDS gave feedback to CSO about this before the 2022 census about this and we continue to campaign for changes to the questions that will make them more accurate. One example ..read more

Watch the full video in Irish Sign Language (ISL) about alcoholism in Ireland. The video focuses into the lives of those affected by drinking and their families. It highlights the impact of alcoholism on their lives and presents real-life accounts from those who have been directly affected. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a worldwide fellowship providing support for individuals recovering from alcohol addiction through group meetings and sponsorship programs. It promotes the Twelve Steps as a spiritual path to recovery. More information – https://www.alcoholicsanonymous.ie/ Those needin ..read more

Press Release Celebrate the 5th Anniversary of National ISL Day on the 14th of December 2022. On the 14th of December 2017, the Irish Sign Language (ISL) Act was passed by the Dáil. This date was a momentous day as it followed years of hard work and campaigning by the Deaf community, led by the Irish Deaf Society and supported by Senator Mark Daly. The Act recognises Irish Sign Language (ISL) as the native language of Deaf people and as the language used by the Deaf community. The State have a responsibility to provide ISL access to ensure that Deaf people can participate in society. To commem ..read more

The Irish Deaf society supported by Libraries Ireland and European Union of the Deaf (EUD)/Huawei Project have been working together to launch ISL Story Sign part of the International Week of Deaf people. In agreement with publishers, each libraries chose their own book to translate in ISL. The international Week of Deaf People is celebrated through various activities by Deaf communities all around the world. These include events welcoming everyone and all members of Deaf communities, which include families of Deaf people, professionals and accredited sign language interpreters, peers as well ..read more

Irish Sign Language Awareness Week 2022 Press Release 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. This year the week starts on September 19th. In Ireland, the Deaf community takes part by celebrating “Irish Sign Language Awareness Week.” During this week of celebrations Deaf communities around the world welcome the involvement of families of Deaf people, professional and accredited sign language interpreters, other stakeholders including national Governments, human right ..read more

Open Day 2022 The Irish Deaf Society’s Dept of Further Education and Training is proud to announce their 2022 OPEN DAY on Wednesday 10th August – 10/08/2022 Time Slots 11:00am – 1:00pm – Via Zoom (Meeting ID: 818 1377 9253 / Passcode: 703415) 2:00pm – 4:00pm – In-Person / Irish Deaf Society (Deaf Village Ireland) 7:00pm – 9:00pm – Via Zoom (Meeting ID: 852 7679 3382 / Passcode: 456194) For more information about our courses, please contact the team at education@irishdeafsociety.ie ..read more