Irish Deaf Society

15/06/2026

Our Chairperson represented the Irish Deaf Society at the United Nations, speaking about the importance of interpreter regulation in Ireland.

For Deaf people, Irish Sign Language access is a human rights issue. Recognition of ISL is important, but Deaf people must also have confidence that interpreting services are safe, regulated, and properly supported.

IDS continues to call for: https://vimeo.com/1198465959?share=copy&fl=cl&fe=ci

• Clear governance and funding responsibility for RISLI
• A statutory code of conduct for interpreters
• An independent complaints process
• State-funded continuous professional development, especially in areas such as health, legal and education

Ireland has made progress, but more work is needed to make sure Deaf people can fully realise their rights under the UNCRPD.

Full UN Web TV recording: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k10/k10xerwuin

Kunsill tal-Lingwa tas-Sinjali Maltija / Maltese Sign Language Council

This is "Lianne Quigley, Irish Deaf Society Chairperson - UN COSP" by Irish Deaf Society on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

15/06/2026

Draft National Guidance for the Responsible Use of AI in the Health & Social Care

📢 The Irish Deaf Society has submitted feedback to HIQA’s consultation on the use of AI in health and social care.

We raised concerns about AI sign language avatars and highlighted that they should not replace qualified human interpreters. Deaf people have the right to clear, accurate, and accessible communication that respects their language and culture.

Technology should support access to healthcare, not reduce it.

📹 An ISL video translation is now available on our website.
📄 A full report is also available to download.

Website: https://www.irishdeafsociety.ie/publications/governmentsubmissions/

12/06/2026

The Irish Deaf Society attended the Department of Health Stakeholder Forum on Adult Safeguarding

The Irish Deaf Society was represented by Elaine Grehan, Advocacy Service Manager, at the Department of Health - Ireland Stakeholder Forum on Adult Safeguarding.

The forum focused on the new National Policy Framework for Adult Safeguarding in the Health and Social Care Sector and the importance of ongoing engagement with organisations working directly with communities.

Elaine also met with Kieran O'Donnell TD, Minister of State with responsibility for Older People.

IDS welcomes the opportunity to be part of this forum and to ensure the views and experiences of the community are included in discussions around adult , , , and .

Roinn Sláinte, Department of Health

09/06/2026

Join the Irish Deaf Society for a free community walk from Laragh to Glendalough on Sunday 28th June.

This is a relaxed walk for the Deaf and hearing community to come together, use Irish Sign language (ISL), meet people and enjoy the outdoors.

The walk will also support our Kerry Camino walkers as they prepare for the IDS Kerry Camino Challenge.

Details:

Meet: 10:15am
Route: Laragh to Glendalough Loop
Distance: 9km – 10km
Level: Easy to moderate
Cost: Free

No hiking experience is needed. Please bring comfortable walking shoes, rain gear, water and food/snacks.

Spaces are limited so register NOW - https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/25SQDLrH4M

09/06/2026

A successful weekend in Cork for the Irish Deaf Society.

On Friday evening, 5th June, IDS hosted an open community discussion where members of the Deaf community shared feedback, local experiences, ideas, and hopes for the future.

On Saturday morning, 6th June, National Council Members took part in a workshop led by the Development Officer and Project Officer. The workshop focused on National and Local Deaf groups, what support they need from IDS, how groups can stay active, and how NCMs can connect better across Ireland.

The weekend finished with the 44th IDS AGM on Saturday afternoon. It was great to see strong participation, open discussion, and a real commitment to keeping communities connected and involved.

A special thank you to Cork Deaf Club for hosting IDS in Cork and for opening the AGM. Thank you also to everyone who travelled, took part, and shared their ideas. Your input will help guide our work with Deaf communities across Ireland.

02/06/2026

🌍 Exciting news!

Our Chairperson, Lianne Quigley, will be speaking at a side event during the Conference of States Parties (CoSP) at the United Nations in New York this June, focusing on sign language legislation and Deaf leadership.

The event is organised by the Maltese Sign Language Council and marks 10 years since the recognition of Maltese Sign Language. It will bring together Deaf leaders, activists, interpreters and allies from around the world to discuss linguistic rights, accessibility, Deaf leadership, and the role of sign languages in public life.

Lianne will join online to share insights from the Irish experience, including:
🤟 The recognition of Irish Sign Language (ISL) as a national language
🤟 The registration and regulation of sign language interpreters
🤟 Lessons learned and ongoing challenges

📅 Thursday, 11 June
🕐 1:15pm–2:30pm (New York time / EDT)
🇮🇪 6:15pm–7:30pm (Ireland time / IST)

The discussion will explore how Deaf-led initiatives can drive meaningful change and how countries can strengthen the rights, inclusion and participation of Deaf communities.

The event will also be available via live webcast for those wishing to follow the discussion online - https://teamup.com/kscueapdd7v1thgxrv/events/2077922588

28/05/2026

https://vimeo.com/1195915320

Hello everyone,

Today we’re explaining IDS membership and what it means for the AGM.

Membership of the Irish Deaf Society is open to everyone — Deaf people, hearing people, families, supporters, organisations, and community groups. Membership costs €10 and helps support our work advocating for the Deaf community across Ireland.

AGM attendance
To attend the Annual General Meeting (AGM), you must be a current IDS member. At the AGM, members can:

Hear updates about IDS work
Learn about future plans
Take part in discussions
Be involved in important decisions

Voting rights
There is an important difference when it comes to voting:

Only Deaf individual members can vote at the AGM
Voting includes electing Board Directors, voting on motions and resolutions, and other AGM decisions

Group or organisation memberships allow attendance, but they do not give individual voting rights. If a Deaf person wishes to vote, they must hold their own individual membership.

Summary
Membership is open to everyone
Membership costs €10
You must be a member to attend the AGM
Only Deaf individual members can vote

Thank you for supporting the Irish Deaf Society. We look forward to seeing you at the AGM!

Today we want to explain IDS membership and what it means for the AGM. First of all — membership is open to everyone. Deaf people, hearing people, families, supporters, organisations, and community groups are all welcome to become members of the Irish Deaf Society. Membership costs just €10. Bei...

28/05/2026

Fresh air, beautiful views, ISL and good company.

Join us on Sunday 28th June for a free community walk from Laragh to Glendalough.

This relaxed walk is a chance to:

- connect with the community
- use ISL together
- support our Kerry Camino walkers as they prepare for the IDS - Kerry Camino Challenge
- enjoy fresh air, movement and good company

The walk will include views around Derrybawn, Glendalough Lakes, Poulanass Waterfall and St Kevin’s Round Tower, followed by time to socialise afterwards.

Meet: 10:15am
Route: Laragh to Glendalough Loop
Distance: 9 - 10km
Level: Easy to moderate walk
Cost: Free

No hiking experience is needed. Please bring comfortable walking shoes, rain gear and water.

Spaces are limited so register today: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=P5Isgehqf0em2xzJB7oZq_L13pc5Z9BKoNDE4b5ueXhURjBCRzJRQzNXWkRKT0pWRTAyRFZLOU9YMy4u&route=shorturl

28/05/2026

📢 Important Information for Deaf People - Cost of Disability

Irish Deaf Society sent feedback and recommendations to the Department of Social Protection ahead of the Cost of Disability Strategic Focus Network Summit on 13 May 2026.

Our submission highlights the experiences, needs, and extra costs faced by Deaf people, and why Deaf people must be included in the new Cost of Disability Payment.

We are pleased to share that our submission is now available in Irish Sign Language (ISL) on our website - https://www.irishdeafsociety.ie/publications/governmentsubmissions/

This is very important information for Deaf people, families, supporters, and the wider community. Please watch, share, and help spread the word so more Deaf people are informed about the proposed payment and IDS recommendations.

Together, we can make sure Deaf voices are heard.

Department of Social Protection Dara Calleary TD