The National Deaf Women of Ireland (NDWI) is a voluntary and non-profit representative organisation. The National Deaf Women of Ireland is registered with the Charity Organisations in Ireland. Our mission is to empower Deaf Women and to bring about equality among Deaf Women. The NDWI was founded 20 years ago.
We provided monthly information meeting covering important issues listed below through our first / preferred language, which in Irish Sign Language.
Irish Sign Language is a visual and natural language. Each country has its own sign language so it is not a universal language as frequently thought. Like any spoken language, ISL is a language with it own rules of grammar, syntax and structures. ISL is not just using the hands; it is also using the facial expressions, space and body language. The vast major-ity of the Irish Deaf Community use ISL as their first and/or preferred language.
You see on our list we have access to information in ISL. What does this mean? You know all hearing women of Ireland can access information in women’s services, can visit a woman doctor, ask questions and communicate. This allows them to understand the information available and understand their rights to access services. NDWI want to ensure all Deaf Women in Ireland are more aware of their rights and their access to information. An example of this, is the NDWI contact all websites for women’s services and explain why Deaf Women want to access the information on their website in ISL. This will allow women to understand more, and know where to get the information. NDWI share information with us to let us know we have these services available such as Women’s Aid text line, the Rape Crisis Centre have help for Deaf Women, as well as many other services.
NDWI also set up information nights in order to share information with Deaf Women, where they can go in and watch a presentation on different issues. We make vlogs to explain about women’s access and women can go to the NDWI office anytime to access information.
We will always remember 14th December 2017 as a special day because ISL was made an official in the law. The NDWI will work hard to provide even more information in ISL.
Explore how you can be a part of our organisation. Get involved with the NDWI. We have included a list below to give you some ideas of how to get involved with the National Deaf Women of Ireland. Please do not be hesitate to contact us by e-mail at ndwi@deafwomen.ie to find out more information of how to get involved.
