Human Rights and the Deaf Community in Ireland

Abstract

Background: Deaf individuals are often subject to legislation expressing deafness in medical or disability terms, which neglects sociolinguistic domains. Objective: To evaluate Irish legislation relevant to Deaf individuals and the recognition of Irish Sign Language (ISL), in light of international human rights obligations. Method: The Equal Status Act (2000), The Equality Act (2004), The Disability Act (2005), The Education Act (1998), and The Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN 2004) were evaluated in the light of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR, 1948), the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1990), and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD, 2008), with particular reference to sociolinguistic issues affecting Deaf communities in Ireland. Results and conclusion: The sociolinguistic rights of Irish Deaf communities are not explicitly safeguarded within current Irish law because lawgivers have failed to adequately consult these communities when constructing legislation.