TU Dublin Celebrates International Week of Deaf People 2025
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TU Dublin is delighted to announce its participation in the International Week of Deaf People (IWDP) 2025, running from 22 to 28 September. This year’s global theme - 'No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights' - resonates deeply with our university's ethos of inclusion, respect, and celebration of diversity.
IWDP is a worldwide initiative led by the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), designed to shine a spotlight on Deaf culture, sign language, and the everyday realities and achievements of Deaf people across the globe. TU Dublin is proud to stand in solidarity with this movement and to mark the occasion with a series of exciting and meaningful events across our campuses.
The Deaf Village Ireland and the Dublin-based Deaf schools are located in close proximity to our Blanchardstown and Grangegorman campuses, creating a strong geographical connection to the Deaf community. Our commitment to accessibility and inclusive education is not just a value but a practice, and this week is an excellent opportunity to celebrate and strengthen those ties.
Earlier this year, TU Dublin’s School of Informatics and Cyber Security hosted a Deaf-friendly summer camp on the University’s Blanchardstown campus. Students from the Holy Family School for the Deaf in Cabra were invited, and the university ensured the presence of Irish Sign Language (ISL) interpreters to facilitate full participation. The event highlighted the importance of early engagement, accessibility, and fun in STEM learning for Deaf students.
But the heart of IWDP 2025 at TU Dublin is the daily campus programme hosted at Blanchardstown. Here’s what to expect:
- Monday, 22 September: Research Information Stand – Discover the innovative research on sign language processing technologies carried out by our own TU Dublin researchers. (Foyer of Croí block)
- Tuesday, 23 September: Deaf Peer Network Information Stand – We’re delighted to announce a brand-new initiative launching in 2025. Led by Dr Robert Smith of the School of Informatics and Cyber Security and Juliane Duffy Gillen from the Disability Support Service, this peer network is designed to create a supportive community for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) students to connect and thrive academically and socially. (Foyer of Croí block)
- Wednesday, 24 September: Disability Services Information Stand – Learn about the range of supports TU Dublin offers to Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) students and all those seeking a more accessible educational experience. (Foyer of Croí block)
- Thursday, 25 September: Irish Deaf Society (IDS) Information Stand – Meet representatives from IDS, Ireland’s national Deaf-led organisation, and learn more about Irish Sign Language classes, advocacy, and community support. (Foyer of Croí block)
- Friday, 25 September: Chime Information Stand – Chat with Chime, a national charity supporting DHH people, about the latest technologies and services available to improve accessibility. (Foyer of Croí block)
The TU Dublin Library has also launched a LibGuide highlighting engaging and relevant readings on Deaf Studies and Deaf technologies in Ireland.
This celebration is more than symbolic. It’s a commitment to creating a university where all students, regardless of hearing status, feel empowered and supported. IWDP 2025 is a time to reflect, engage, and take pride in the diversity that strengthens our TU Dublin community.
So, whether you stop by an information stand, explore a reading list, or simply learn a new sign, there’s a place for everyone in this celebration. Let’s come together to champion sign language rights and celebrate Deaf culture loud and clear.