Cork Deaf Association Launches Major Sign Language Training Project for 10,000 HSE Workers
Cork Deaf Association launches major ISL training project for 10,000 HSE workers during International Week of Deaf People, transforming public service access.
The Cork Deaf Association has launched an ambitious new Irish Sign Language initiative that will provide deaf awareness training to thousands of public sector workers across Cork and Kerry, coinciding with International Week of Deaf People.
The groundbreaking project, titled "Deaf Awareness, Public Service and the ISL Act", was officially launched today by Jerry Buttimer, Minister of State for Rural and Community Development, Charities and Transport at the Cork Deaf Association premises.
The initiative addresses a significant gap in public service accessibility, with a 2023 National Disability Report revealing that over 50% of State bodies were either unaware of the Irish Sign Language Act or unclear about their legal obligations to Ireland's deaf citizens.
The project's centrepiece is a comprehensive deaf awareness module developed for HSeLanD.ie, the HSE's national online training platform. This digital resource will support the upskilling of over 10,000 HSE staff in the Cork and Kerry region alone, ensuring frontline healthcare workers can better serve deaf patients.
Beyond healthcare, the initiative offers targeted deaf awareness workshops to Cork-based public bodies, helping them understand and fulfil their statutory duties under the Irish Sign Language Act 2017.
The Cork Deaf Association secured €65,000 from Rethink Ireland's Resilient Cork fund to deliver the ambitious programme, which launches during International Week of Deaf People running until Sunday, 28th September.
Minister Buttimer emphasised the project's significance during today's launch ceremony:
"I am delighted to join you today, during International Week of the Deaf. This year's theme, 'No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights,' reminds us that access to Sign Language is not only about communication - it's about equality, meaningful inclusion and human rights.
It was a privilege to witness first-hand the power and passion of the Deaf Community campaign which led to the passing of the Irish Sign Language Act nearly a decade ago. This project, which assists public bodies to understand and meet their obligations under the ISL Act, is helping to turn rights into everyday reality."
The Irish Sign Language Act 2017 represented a landmark achievement for Ireland's deaf community, placing statutory duties on public bodies to provide free interpretation services for all statutory entitlements. However, implementation has been inconsistent across State organisations.
Susan O'Callaghan, Cork Deaf Association Advocacy Officer, welcomed the project's potential impact:
"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."
Gerrie O'Grady, Executive Manager of the Cork Deaf Association, praised the Minister's continued support:
"The Minister has been a tremendous friend to the Cork Deaf Association and to the wider Deaf Community. His presence at the launch was a powerful moment of continuity and shared commitment to fully accessible public services."
The programme aligns with this year's International Week of Deaf People theme, promoting human rights, culture, and achievements within the deaf community whilst addressing practical barriers to accessing public services.
For information about the ISL project and Cork Deaf Association services, contact mail@corkdeaf.ie, call (021) 4505944, text (086) 853 5574, or visit www.corkdeaf.ie.
