Local family backing bid for sign language recognition

Today (Wednesday) the Seanad is due to discuss new legislation which, if passed, would provide official State recognition for sign language.

Five Deaf members of the Reid family from Cornamagh, Athlone, are among those backing the proposed legislation.

Wayne Reid, and his sisters Charlotte, Roseanna, Frances, and Natashia, are calling on Oireachtas members to support the Recognition of Irish Sign Language (ISL) Bill, proposed by Senator Mark Daly.

Wayne is encouraging people to use #YesToISL on social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter, to show support for the new legislation.

He explained that officially recognising Irish Sign Language (ISL) is essential in order to ensure the rights of Deaf people in Ireland to access to essential public services and information.

“Without official recognition, Deaf people are left vulnerable to the threat of social and economic exclusion and marginalisation. Without any legal guarantees that their communication needs will be met, Deaf people face consistent and frustrating barriers that prevent their full participation as equal citizens,” Wayne stated, in a letter addressed to Senators.

The letter went on to say that Deaf people are among the most marginalised groups in the country, experiencing “higher unemployment rates, lower education attainments, poorer health rates, higher risks of mental health issues, and significantly decreased economic mobility.”

It concludes by asking Senators to support the bill, saying: “Recognition of ISL will give a much needed legislative ground for the Deaf community to live as equal citizens, and to be able to access and be assured of inclusion in public services and information.”