Irish Deaf Society the National Association of the Deaf CLG

The Irish Deaf Society - the National Association of the Deaf - is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to championing the rights, education and wellbeing of Deaf people throughout Ireland. Working closely with Education and Training Boards Ireland, the Society recently delivered the first Irish Sign Language (ISL) External Authenticator training for the further education and training sector, graduating six Deaf experts who now ensure ISL assessments meet QQI standards and are marked fairly and consistently.

Beyond quality assurance, the Society produces influential policy work, such as its Mental Health Position Paper, which highlights the barriers Deaf people face in accessing culturally appropriate support and calls for systemic change. It also offers a range of learning opportunities, including Irish Sign Language classes for adults and specialised programmes for Deaf learners, alongside a rich library of publications and resources for families, educators and the wider community.

Through advocacy, training and community-focused services, the Irish Deaf Society plays a pivotal role in strengthening Deaf culture and ensuring that Irish Sign Language is recognised, respected and fully integrated across the nation.