Arriving at Deaf Village Ireland
Back in November 2012, The Hub on BSL Zone featured Deaf Village Ireland (DVI), a new, state of the art centre for Deaf, hard of hearing and hearing people in Dublin, Southern Ireland. Watching the programme, I was impressed with the concept of this new complex and I knew then that I wanted to visit.
This week, having travelled to Ireland to visit family, I seized the opportunity and made my way to Cabra in Dublin to see what it was all about.
Whilst I’m confident in using British Sign Language, my Irish Sign Language leaves a lot to be desired and so I set about brushing up on my Irish Manual Alphabet so that I could at least introduce myself! I wasn’t entirely sure what reaction to expect just turning up at Deaf Village Ireland but I needn’t have worried.
The front of the building boldly displays it’s title and I walked in passing a bright reception area to the Café Harmony where I enjoyed a Latte and watched the world pass by. As soon as I’d sat down, people walking by were welcoming and I suddenly didn’t feel like a stranger.
Coffee over, I made my way back to reception and introduced myself. I explained that I was interested in the concept of Deaf Village Ireland but I was really hoping for a tour. Without a pause, the receptionist passed me on to Sarah-Jane Moloney, the Village’s Inspire Gym Supervisor. Now I recognised Sarah-Jane both from The Hub when she was interviewed and also from in‑vision signing on the news on RTE (Ireland’s equivalent to the BBC).
A place to live, grow up and grow old in a bespoke centre with aspects of communication and access throughout.
Sarah-Jane gave me the grand tour and I was impressed to find so many Deaf organisations in one place. She explained how having everyone in one place improves joint‑working and makes it easier for Deaf people to access their services. There is now a natural progression from the Irish Deaf Youth Association, through the Irish Deaf Society to the Deaf Club for the older generation. It allows people to live, grow up and grow old in a bespoke centre with aspects of communication and access throughout.
But does it create a ghetto?
Sarah-Jane Moloney with Signable's Glen Barham
Now before anyone thinks that this could create some kind of ghetto, let me tell you, that is not something you’ll experience at Deaf Village Ireland; in fact, far from it. The wonderful thing about DVI is that it is a centre for Deaf, Hard of Hearing and hearing people; and they’ve been pretty clever in the way they made sure that happens. You see, Deaf Village Ireland’s Inspire Gym and community facilities are open to all.
They actually have around 2000 hearing members and Sarah-Jane explained the benefit of having hearing visitors engaging with deaf staff and members; “I was working on reception one day and a hearing person came up. I explained that I was deaf and they actually apologised for not being able to sign.” What a difference from deaf people feeling the need to apologise for the communication gap. “Recently a person said they were interested in learning sign language. In the past I would have referred them across town to pursue that; now I just send them down the corridor to the Irish Deaf Society”. With services so close, there’s no excuse for not getting on and getting involved.
DeafSpace
Another fantastic element of the place is the space which lends itself to deaf communication.
A community development project first and not a building project!
In the interview on The Hub, Liam O’Dwyer, Chief Executive Officer of the Catholic Institute for Deaf People explained how they looked at other similar projects abroad like The Lighthouse in Finland and Gallaudet University in Washington. Working with Gallaudet’s architect they were able to ensure that the building was fit for purpose. As Liam says, “this project was always a community development project first and not a building project”. By working with Gallaudet they were able to ‘deaf proof’ the building. Walking around it was clear to see that this had been achieved; open areas flooded with natural light has created a wonderful DeafSpace.
When deaf people congregate the group customarily works together to rearrange furnishings into a “conversation circle” to allow clear sightlines so everyone can participate in the visual conversation … DeafSpace
Niall Keane, Chief Executive Officer of DeafHear.ie told me that services in one place really work, “and people are happy to travel too. We have one member who travels 5 hours to join the Deaf Club here”.
I was overwhelmed by the positive attitude from everyone. Having a place that brings together the whole community has to be the way forward and far from segregating deaf people into one place, this develops a community with deaf people at the heart. Deaf Village Ireland – it just makes sense!
To sum up, I repeat what I wrote in the Visitors’ Book – “I have experienced a fantastic inclusive feeling. We need Deaf Village in the UK”
