Irish Sign Language online resource

Deaf Village Ireland (DVI) opened for business this month. The village includes sports centre, swimming pool, conference facilities, offices, classrooms, a chapel, a social lounge and a cafe. Located off the Ratoath Road in Cabra, Dublin, Deaf Village Ireland is the dream location for many signers.





So if you are thinking of visiting Ireland you might also be keen to learn some Irish Sign Language. ISL Everywhere, the first online resource to support parents of deaf and hard of hearing children to learn Irish Sign Language (ISL) which has gone live this week.

Deaffinity - Deaf not Dumb

This short-film, titled “Deaf not Dumb,” was produced by a group of young deaf filmmakers and is described by Deaffinity as a “powerful counter narrative to the discrimination targeting members of the deaf community.”




Deaffinity is a group whose mission is to “help break barriers and improve the quality of life for the BME [black and minority ethnic] D/deaf community.”

To read more about the group check out their website - http://www.deafnotdumb.com/

Findasign

Findasign.org  is a new project which aims to create a community compiled international searchable directory of sign language videos. Over time the site hopes to provide access to individual signs, phrases, songs, lessons, and loads more in Auslan, ISL, BSL, ASL and NZSL.

Check it out, or even add to it yourself- http://findasign.org/BritishSignLanguage_BSL/
 

Watch Rita Simons: My Daughter, Deafness and Me

Eastenders star Rita Simons and her family were the subject of a BBC1 documentary this week that followed the family through the decision making processes around education and cochlear implantation.

Featuring an insight into many apsects of cochlear implantation, including viewpoints from medical professionals, family and the deaf community, Rita and her husband balance their daughters immediate needs with likely further hearing loss in future and the medical and social implications. The father also gets a simulation of what cochlear implants may sound like. 

Rita also pays a visit to the Mary Hare school to learn more about how specialised education for some deaf children, away from mainstream schools, may be able to provide better outcomes and finds seeing the deaf children's achievements an emotional experience. 

Well worth a watch.. 

The Hub

If you are not yet a fan of the British Sign Language Broadcasting Trust (BSLBT) you may not be aware of The Hub and its new series starting on Monday 6th February. 'The Hub' is a programme, presented by the BSL zone, covering news and views from the Deaf community in the UK and beyond.

Further details can be accessed from www.bslbt.co.uk/programmes/the-hub

World deaf community

Check out the vlog snapshots of deaf people from all over the world, sharing a little about themselves, at http://deafnation.com/joelbarish/people/we-are-deaf/