Dr. John Conama

While accepting the widespread perceived feeling of disconnectedness, the central hypothesis is to determine the level of how strong the sense of community the respondents feel. The level will be divided into geographical locations, gender, age groups, educational attainments and social classes. Despite the pessimistic feeling, the wording: "deaf community" is frequently used in many contexts, often in the public domain, especially when it comes to publicising the information gaps in the public service information. The recent coronavirus crisis is a recent example as the government had responded to calls for interpreters' constant presence at public briefings. The word "community" has positive connotations, and the fact that the word has brought in many positive changes for deaf people. Depending on the response, it may have potential further research.

Overview There is a strong perception among members of the Irish deaf community that the language community is in decline. The bases traditionally ensured the continuation of Irish Sign Language (ISL) are dwindling. For instance, enrolments in residential schools for the deaf have been decreasing steadily, and the numbers involved in community social, sports and cultural activities have been falling. Technological advances, consolidation of educational policies for deaf children in mainstream education, individualisation, and increased social mobility have also impacted how the community operates. There is tentative evidence that the well-being and self-identity of deaf people are put under considerable pressure due to the failure to replace older models with better informed and sustainable models. Why research Community Resilience? According to research (Patel 2019 et al.), individual resilience can be supported by knowledge, networks, relationships, communication, health, governance and leadership. Such skills or values like that are essential for deaf people to navigate the wider world (Listmann and Kruz 2020). As we know from research (Sense of Community research project and other research works), older community models ("brick-and-mortar" model; deaf clubs, residential schools etc.) are unsustainable in the long term, especially in this age of information / technological advances. New models that can sustain the community in the long term need to be found and developed to ensure its members can be resilient to navigate this world. Such new models can inform key policymakers and direct future service providers. These new models can replace older models as a basis for reinforcing the status of ISL in future. The ISL Act's first clause recognises the community's right to preserve the ISL. Aims " To investigate the role of the deaf community as a source of resilience for many deaf people who use Irish Sign Language (ISL) to adapt to and navigate Irish society. " Examine the possible development of sustainable models to ensure the continuity of resilience " Based on emerging findings, to examine how public policies can be articulated and supported to develop the vitality of the Irish deaf community as a source of resilience.

Professor Erin Moriarty-Hasselson at Gallaudet University is a well-known expert on deaf migration. I believe her visit would provide an excellent opportunity for us to engage in research collaboration at the European level on deaf migrants. We currently have an Irish deaf candidate in Sweden completing her thesis on deaf migrants in Europe, and there is ongoing research in other countries.

The aim of this research is to look at deaf migrants living in Ireland. People move abroad for many different reasons and sometimes, in particular at the beginning, can be quite challenging. The first big challenge is learning the language of the host country. It can be difficult and take a while for a hearing person, can you imagine for a deaf or hard of hearing person? Foreign deaf people moving abroad have to go through two linguistic barriers: the spoken language and the sign language of the deaf community of the new country. This is a marginalised minority group within a marginalised group. Simultaneously, learn and understand the new culture, system such as medical system, social welfare, regulations about renting, taxation, employment, education and many other aspects. This research will look at the aspects of life of deaf people living in Ireland and the reasons for moving to Ireland (i.e. Employment, education, conflict zones etc.). With this research we will focus on foreign deaf people living in Ireland, look at the support available to them and the availability of interpreting services when requested.

The agreement has agreed with the Irish Deaf Society that the following tangible deliverables are. " 1. Target Deliverables: i) Research feasible pathway options for the course ii) Clarify and interlink each option if possible - iii) Cost and time of each option iv) Check the pros and cons of each option Outcome: Decision on options and develop it further in Spring 2023. If IDS and SOLAS are happy with the progress in April, the job may continue for a few more months, and we target September 2023 as the starting date for the new once-off course.