Cork Deaf Association initiative will see public sector workers trained in sign language

A new sign language initiative, which will see thousands of public sector workers receiving upskilling and awareness training, has been launched by the Cork Deaf Association (CDA).

The project provides targeted deaf awareness workshops to Cork based public bodies.

Developing a deaf awareness module for HSeLanD.ie, the national online training platform for the HSE, was a key element to the project.

The CDA celebrated the launch of the project called: Deaf Awareness, Public Service and the ISL Act at their premises in Cork.

The organisation received €65,000 from Rethink Ireland’s Resilient Cork fund to put their plan into action.

The initiative is designed to create awareness, educate and support public bodies in meeting obligations under the Irish Sign Language Act.

The program is also aligned with the goals of International Week of Deaf People, which runs until Sunday, to promote the human rights, culture and achievements of the deaf community.

Support

Jerry Buttimer, minister of state for rural and community development, charities and transport, gave his support to the deaf community which led to the ISL Act.

“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.”

Susan O’Callaghan, Cork Deaf Association advocacy officer, added: “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.”

The Irish Sign Language (ISL) Act 2017 places a statutory duty on all public bodies to provide free interpretation of statutory entitlements and services.

A national disability report, which was published in 2023, found that more than 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.