Susan awarded for her dedication
An advocate for deaf people has been awarded for her 25 years of service in helping raise awareness of the obstacles deaf people often face.
The Cork Deaf Association (CDA) is marking this year's National Irish Sign Language (ISL) Day by honouring Advocacy Officer, Susan O’Callaghan, for her contribution and dedication to the CDA and Irish deaf community for 25 years.
Susan helped the CDA to make significant progress this year in deaf awareness training across public services including HSE, Tusla, Revenue, Cork city and county councils, UCC, hospitals and soon with An Garda Síochána.
National ISL Day takes place on 14 December, marking the anniversary of the Irish Sign Language Act 2017. As a deafwoman, Susan said she understands first-hand the challenges faced by the deaf community when accessing essential services.
She said: “I was really encouraged by public-sector staff and how much people wanted to learn when I did the training with them. They just needed the right knowledge and guidance. Deafpeople face barriers at every stage of life - the lack of equal access creates huge frustration and it can also be high risk. I often meetDeafpeople who are left confused after medical appointments because no interpreter was provided.
“Many deaf people struggle to advocate for themselves, not because they lack the will, but because the system often places obstacles in their way, leaving them discouraged and feeling unheard. But when the right steps are put in place, it can make a huge difference.”
The deaf awareness training project has exceeded expectations with 634 public service staff being trained so far.
As part of the initiative, CDA also launched Ireland’s firstdeaf awareness module on HSELandD, the HSE’s national learning platform, with Susan playing a pivotal role.
Gerrie O’Grady, CDA Executive Manager, paid tribute to Susan’s work as a community leader. “Susan continues to be a powerful advocate for the deafcommunity. She brings so much experience, heart, and clarity to her work. Her insight helped to make this project as impactful as it was.
“The CDA has shown that this training is urgently needed and strongly welcomed. We are ready to continue this work. But ongoing dedicated government funding for deaf awareness is essential so that we can. I am confident together we can make a huge impact and a more inclusive and aware society.”
Celebrations will take place across the Country on Sunday 14 December to mark ISL Day, with many buildings lighting up in blue - the colour of the deaf community and Irish Sign Language.
The CDA invites the public to reflect on what true access means in everyday life -access is inclusion, and inclusion changes lives.