Deaf Village Ireland

Welcome to Deaf Village Ireland

A collaborative organisation represented by all deaf organisations in Ireland.

We create an inclusive space for community life celebrating Deaf Culture.

We are an inclusive state of the art social, administration, religious, community, sports, heritage and educational complex providing a range of facilities for both Deaf and hearing people.

We are Deaf led with a unique integrated communication ethos where both Irish Sign Language (ISL) and spoken English are used.

Re-opening of DVI

It’s been a long few months but we are delighted to announce that we are re-opening. Please watch the videos below to understand what we need to do to stay safe and make sure that you can once again enjoy your time in Deaf Village Ireland.

Re-Opening Pt1

Re-Opening Pt2

A brief message of thanks.

Information on COVID 19

CISLI has been working on building up some training resources for interpreters during this crisis. As part of this, we have put together a webinar for CISLI members on the medical aspects of Covid-19.

We have been asked to make the first part of this webinar available to the Deaf community. The video is hosted on youtube and is free to send to your members via your social media etc.

The first part is a presentation with a GP, Mary Anne Woulfe. It is hosted by Teresa Lynch (Centre for Deaf Studies) and Veronica White (interpreter), and facilitated by Suzanne Carey.

Please be advised – and please advise your members – that this video is for information purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice. If you feel unwell or have any questions about your health, please contact your GP.

The presentation is approx. one hour long. It is interpreted into ISL by Veronica White, with Tracey Daly Feely working into English.

The presentation will be available for the next two months.

The link to the presentation is: https://bit.ly/39UeMAi

CISLI would like to thank the CDS for their support with this initiative.

Deaf Village Ireland Atrium & Café Project

Renovation Project at Deaf Village Ireland: Enhancing Inclusivity and Community Space

Deaf Village Ireland (DVI), a hub of cultural and social activities for the Deaf community, has embarked on a transformative project to renovate its cafe and atrium space. This project was initiated after a comprehensive survey was conducted among tenants and members of the Deaf Community in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This brief overview of the DVI’S project’s background, is to give you an insight to our goals, community involvement, progress, and expected completion timeline.

Background:

The cafe within Deaf Village Ireland was originally operated by the Dublin Deaf Association (DDA) with the assistance of volunteers from the Deaf Community since its inception. The cafe, known as The Hub Cafe, served as a vital social space for the Deaf Community. However, in December 2019, the DDA handed back the cafe to DVI due to sustainability concerns. Subsequent survey results indicated that the existing cafe model was not viable. DVI decided to seek funding for a renovation project that would create an inclusive space catering to both Deaf and hearing individuals. We are very grateful to Pobal for this funding.

Community Involvement:

To ensure that the renovated space would genuinely meet the needs of the community, DVI engaged in a comprehensive collaboration with the Deaf Community. Deaf Village Ireland appointed Deaf architect Richard Dougherty to lead the project. Richard facilitated five workshops involving members of the Deaf community, as well as a workshop with local hearing residents. These workshops served as valuable platforms for gathering insights, ideas, and preferences from the community.

A focus group, steering group, and the DVI Board were established to guide decision-making throughout the project’s planning and implementation phases. This inclusive approach ensured that the desires and requirements of both the Deaf Community and the local population were considered and integrated into the project’s design.

Project Progress:

In July the Board of Deaf Village Ireland has agreed for an independent café operator to move into DVI as new tenants to operate the new café. The DVI project commenced on August 21st with a focus on enhancing the cafe and breaking down barriers within the Cafe space. The atrium, previously exclusive to the Deaf Community, was targeted for renovation to become a more inclusive and communal area. The extensive planning and deliberations spanned nearly two years, involving numerous meetings to address challenges and refine the project’s vision.

Impact on Operations:

In order to facilitate the renovation process, all events at DVI have been cancelled for a period of 8-10 weeks. Effective from September 1st, DVI will be temporarily closed to the public. This temporary closure is aimed at allowing construction to proceed without hindrance.

Expected Completion:

The renovation project is expected to reach completion by the end of October. The renovated space, designed to foster inclusivity and community engagement, is set to provide an updated and welcoming environment for both Deaf and hearing individuals.

Conclusion:

The renovation project undertaken by Deaf Village Ireland stands as a testament to the organization’s commitment to creating an inclusive, vibrant, and accessible space for the Deaf Community and the wider local population. Through extensive community involvement, meticulous planning, and dedication to breaking down barriers, the project represents a significant step toward enhancing social interactions and cultural activities within the Deaf Village Ireland community.