As Ireland continues to evolve as an inclusive society, celebrating diversity in all its forms is paramount. One such form of diversity is the use of sign language, particularly Irish Sign Language (ISL), recognised as one of Ireland's official languages in 2017. Despite this milestone, a significant need remains to raise awareness and foster greater inclusion of the Deaf (Hearing and Speech Impairment) community in various spheres of life, especially in the workplace.

Sign Language - a Crucial Part of Deaf Culture

Sign language is not merely a tool for communication but a crucial part of Deaf culture, with over 300 different sign languages used around the world. Yet, the recognition of sign language alone is not enough. We must also address the broader issue of workplace accessibility and inclusion for all individuals with disabilities. While many organisations have made strides in fostering diversity, disability inclusion is often overlooked or treated as a secondary concern. According to statistics, around 22% of the Irish population lives with a disability, many of whom face barriers in the workplace. These barriers can range from a lack of physical accessibility to unconscious biases and misconceptions about their abilities.

The Importance of Irish Sign Language (ISL)

Irish Sign Language (ISL) holds a special status in Ireland, being one of the officially recognised languages since the Irish Sign Language Act of 2017. This act requires public bodies to provide ISL interpretation services, reinforcing the importance of equal access for Deaf individuals.

ISL is a rich, vibrant language with its grammar, syntax, and cultural significance. For the approximately 5,000 Deaf people and 40,000+ people who use ISL daily (including family, colleagues, friends, and professionals working with Deaf people), it is the primary language that allows them to communicate, express their thoughts, and engage with the world around them.

Employers must recognise the significance of ISL in the workplace, especially when interacting with Deaf employees who may rely on it as their primary language. Here’s why supporting ISL is crucial:

1. Enhances Communication: Providing ISL interpretation ensures that Deaf employees can fully engage in workplace discussions, from team meetings to training sessions. This access is crucial for career growth and integration.
2. Fosters Inclusion: By supporting ISL and Deaf culture, employers create a more welcoming and inclusive environment, where all employees feel valued, regardless of their ability to hear.
3. Boosts Employee Morale: When employees see that their company is willing to go beyond minimal compliance and truly support their communication needs, it boosts job satisfaction and loyalty.
4. Bridges Cultural Gaps: Employers who educate their staff about ISL and Deaf culture foster greater cultural understanding and empathy among their hearing employees, creating stronger teamwork and collaboration.

Funding Support for Employers Facing Financial Constraints

For many businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the cost of implementing accessibility measures may seem daunting. However, financial constraints should not prevent companies from becoming more inclusive, especially when there are several funding schemes available in Ireland to support employers in accommodating persons with disabilities including Deaf employees.

The new Work and Access scheme offers a variety of supports to accommodate individuals with disabilities who are seeking employment, currently employed, or self-employed. These supports include:

• Workplace Needs Assessment: This assessment helps identify the need for additional support or adjustments in the workplace.
• Communication Support: Assistance is provided during job interviews and in the workplace to ensure effective communication, particularly for individuals who are Deaf, hard of hearing, or have other communication challenges.
• In-Work Support: This support is tailored to help employees perform their duties effectively.
• Work Equipment: Financial assistance is available for purchasing specialised equipment needed to perform job tasks effectively.

To more about this, visit: Work and Access Scheme.

Employers also have access to several supports under the Work and Access scheme. These are designed to help them accommodate employees with disabilities, ensuring that their work environment is accessible and inclusive. Key supports include:

• Workplace Adaptation: Financial assistance is provided to help employers adapt their workplace to meet the needs of employees with disabilities.
• Disability Equality and Inclusion Training: Employers and organisations can access training to better understand and accommodate disabilities in the workplace, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment.

Employers for Change provides free training to better understand how to accommodate disability in the workplace - Disability Awareness Trainings - Employers for Change.

Why Communication Support is Key

Communication is at the heart of workplace participation. Many Deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals face difficulties when attending meetings, training sessions, or even casual conversations with colleagues. These barriers can result in isolation or limited opportunities for advancement, so effective communication solutions are essential.

By utilising funding to provide ISL interpreters or assistive technology, employers can:

• Facilitate clear and inclusive communication during meetings, interviews, and training.
• Ensure that Deaf (Hearing and Speech Impairment) employees can access the same information as their hearing peers in real-time.
• Allow employees with hearing impairments to contribute fully to brainstorming sessions, discussions, and collaborative projects.

These efforts help to create an equitable workplace, where all employees, regardless of their abilities, have the chance to share their ideas and grow professionally.

Moving Towards True Inclusion

Ultimately, while the Work and Access scheme provides financial resources to support employees with hearing and speech challenges, employers are responsible for creating inclusive workplaces that value the contributions of all individuals, regardless of disability.

Check out the useful resource of our supporting community organisation - Chime, Ireland’s national charity for Deaf (Hearing and Speech Impairment) and hard-of-hearing people.

Employers for Change is an employer disability information service and an Open Doors Initiative programme funded by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. The service empowers employers with all the information and advice needed to hire, employ, manage and retain staff with disabilities.

For free consultations regarding government supports, reasonable accommodations, or disability policies contact info@employersforchange.ie or follow on LinkedIn.

Learn more about our free trainings on Building Disability Confidence, Disability Inclusive Recruitment and Accessible Communication