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Campaigns - Northern Ireland

We want to make sure there is a powerful voice for change, demanding a fair deal for deaf children here. Our vision is to create a world without barriers for every deaf child - but we need your help.

All deaf children in Northern Ireland should be able to access the services they deserve - in health, education, transport and social care.

How you can help us

 

Advocating for British Sign Language GCSE

We are actively campaigning to introduce a British Sign Language (BSL) GCSE, opening new pathways for students to learn this vital language and promote greater inclusivity.

We are engaging with key stakeholders to ensure that this qualification can be introduced into Northern Ireland schools, allowing young people the opportunity to learn BSL and fostering greater communication, awareness, and access for the deaf community.

Early Education and Childcare

We are dedicated to ensuring that deaf children receive inclusive, high-quality early education and childcare. As active members of the All-Party Group (APG) on Early Education and Childcare, we work closely with key stakeholders to ensure that the unique needs of very young deaf children are at the forefront of the Northern Ireland Education and Childcare strategy. Our ongoing engagement focuses in empowering parents with confidence in early years settings that are equipped to support and include every child, enabling the best start for deaf children in Northern Irelan,

Improving Education for Deaf Children

Every year, the Consortium for Research into Deaf Education (CRIDE) reports on specialist education for deaf children. A tailored report looks at services in Northern Ireland. You can find the reports for Northern Ireland, including the most recent report,  here.

A stronger voice through working together - The Coalition on Deafness

A partnership of organisations that represent deaf and hard of hearing people. Its aims are:

  • Promote the rights of people who are deaf, deafblind, have a hearing loss or tinnitus
  • Raise awareness of the exclusion faced by people who are deaf, deafblind, have a hearing loss or tinnitus, as a result of the barriers they encounter 
  • Recommend actions to address those barriers

The Coalition launched its  Manifesto  at Stormont. The manifesto draws on internationally recognised rights for disabled people. Recent Coalition activity includes:

  • work with the Department of Communities on employment for young deaf people 
  • action on facemasks in education and health settings.