Skip to main content

Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Menu Search


Trinity College Dublin By using this website you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with the Trinity cookie policy. For more information on cookies see our cookie policy.

      
Profile Photo

Dr. John Conama

Associate Professor (C.L.C.S.)
Associate Professor (Centre for Deaf Studies)
      
Profile Photo

Dr. John Conama

Associate Professor (C.L.C.S.)

 

Associate Professor (Centre for Deaf Studies)


Dr John Bosco Conama, Ph.D., M. Litt, BA in Social Policy, is a prominent figure in Deaf studies and advocacy, currently serving as the Director of the Centre for Deaf Studies and an Assistant Professor at Trinity College Dublin. As Vice-Chair of the Irish Deaf Society and co-chair of the group implementing the Irish Sign Language Act, he actively shapes policies to enhance the rights and inclusion of Deaf individuals. Dr Conama's commitment to equity is further demonstrated through his membership in the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission's disability advisory committee. His academic journey, culminating in a Ph.D. in Equality Studies from University College Dublin, focuses on language rights and social justice for Deaf communities. Recognized as the Language Ambassador of the Year 2015, his efforts in promoting and preserving Irish Sign Language are widely acclaimed, and his scholarly publications inform discourse on Deaf individuals' experiences and the importance of social policies in safeguarding linguistic diversity. Beyond academia, Dr Conama's leadership as Chair of the Irish Sign Language Recognition Campaign reflects his dedication to advancing Deaf rights through activism and scholarship, advocating for equality, inclusion, and empowerment within the Deaf community and society.
  Education and minority language   Equality law   Globalisation   Health policy   Identity politics and social change   Irish economy, problems   Irish politics, election study, electoral behaviour   Politics of the welfare state   Public Policy   Social work with minorities
Project Title
 Sense of the Community - Deaf Community
From
June 2020
To
December 2023
Summary
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.
Funding Agency
Trinity College Dublin
Programme
AHSS Benevolence Fund
Project Type
Community research
Person Months
18
Project Title
 RESIDE: Resilience Inspires Deaf Communities
From
January 2023
To
December 2023
Summary
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.
Funding Agency
REACH Deaf Services
Project Type
Community
Person Months
15
Project Title
 Visiting Professorship Fund
From
1st October 2024
To
31st October 2024
Summary
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.
Funding Agency
AHSS TCD
Project Title
 Research Project on the experience of Deaf Migrants in Ireland.
From
To
Summary
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.
Funding Agency
REACH Deaf Services
Project Type
Community
Project Title
 "Let's, let's stay together": ethnographical research into intimate relationships within the deaf community in Ireland
From
To
Summary
This proposal aims to better understand the assortative relationships within the deaf community, especially those using Irish Sign Language (ISL). This area is quite under-researched. An insight can be gained from the historical research of such relationships and their comparative correlation to today"s situation. Another insight can be gained from the question of whether assortative relationships can be a mainstay of sustaining Irish Sign Language (ISL) and providing positive mental well-being to those in assortative and non-assortative relationships.
Funding Agency
AHSSBF
Person Months
18

Page 1 of 3
Details Date
Chair the Cross-Community Group under the aegis of Irish Deaf Society to monitor the implementation of the Irish Sign Language Act 2017 2018 - present
Member of Disability Advisory Committee under the aegis of Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission https://www.tcd.ie/news_events/articles/new-disability-advisory-committee-appoints-four-trinity-alumni-staff/ 2019 - 2024
A collaborative project over the next 12 months between UCC, Cork Deaf Association and Kerry Deaf Resource Centre, which will focus on designing a Deaf Awareness auditing template for use by public bodies. Hopefully this project can support the work underway around the country towards supporting effective implementation of the ISL Act 2017. This project is supported by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission's Grant Scheme 2018 2018-2021
Invited to attend the working group meeting on the Implementation of the Irish Sign Language Act 2017 within the Houses of the Oireachtas Service. 5th November
World Federation of the Deaf's Expert Group on Sign Language and Deaf Studies 2016-2019
The working group we are putting together to address the relocation of St Josephs House for vulnerable Deaf adults 2017 - present
An external consultant to Working Group on Sign Language for the Public Council of the Commission on Interaction between Citizens and the Parliament of the Republic of Bulgaria. 2018
Co-chair the Irish Sign Language Recognition Campaign which culminated in the enactment of Irish Sign Language Act 2017 and it was signed into law by President Higgins on 24th December 2017. 2011 to 2018
Committee member on Irish Sign Language Academy - a representative body of ISL teachers and researchers under the aegis of Irish Deaf Society. Responsibility in the ISL recognition. 2005 to 2012
Board member of the Sign Language Interpreting Service (SLIS). SLIS is the interpreting agency that is supported with funds by the statutory agency: Citizens Information Board (CIB) 2007 - 2009
Acting Chairperson of the Model School for the Deaf Project 2000 - 2007
Member of the Partnership Group on Deaf Education (CIDP-IDS-DeafHear-Schools for the Deaf-CDS) 2009 - 2017
Member of advisory group to Association of Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) with a responsibility of organising a conference and a written response to the issue of Deaf applicants for primary teaching training 2012
Invited to participate in the roundtable discussion on Irish Sign Language recognition hosted by the National Disability Authority May 3, 2012
Minute Checker for the World Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf 21-22 July
Member of the Working Group on the Register of Irish Sign Language Interpreters under Sign Language Interpreting Service.
Member of the Steering group under Citizen Information Bureau being set up to oversee and advise on projects relating to the Register for Interpreters and an App and platform for remote interpreting.
Sits on the advisory committee under the aegis of the National Disability Authority to prepare a review report on ISL Act (2017)for the Minister for Disabilities January to July
Language Skill Reading Skill Writing Skill Speaking
American Sign Language Medium Basic Medium
British Sign Language Medium Medium Medium
English Fluent Fluent Basic
Irish Basic Basic Basic
Irish Sign Language Fluent Fluent Fluent
Details Date From Date To
Member of ISL Academy 2006 2020
Irish Deaf Society Member, Board director, secretary, chairperson 1986 current
World Federation of the Deaf 2008 current
Member of the first Think Tank on Deaf Studies at the University of Utrecht. A number of universities in Europe and North America are involved. 2020 present
Chapter 50: No sign of it: The aftermath of the Irish Sign Language Act 2017 in, editor(s)Darquennes, Jeroen (CoI)Salmons, Joseph (CoI)Vandenbussche, Wim (CoI) , Language Contact: An international handbook. Volume 2, 2025, [John Bosco Conama], Notes: [Preparation of the second volume of an international handbook on language contact that will comprise a total of 60 chapters. The handbook is part of de Gruyter's HSK-series (Handbücher zur Sprach- und Kommunikationswissenschaft) and is scheduled to be published in 2023.], Book Chapter, APPROVED
Audism in Systemic Policies in, editor(s)Patrick Boudreault and Genie Gertz , Audism Textbook, Oxford University Press, 2025, [John Bosco Conama], Book Chapter, ACCEPTED
Noel O'Connell, John Bosco Conama and Lorraine Leeson, Responding to the Irish Government's Announcement on the New Access and Work Scheme. A Human Rights Approach, Disability and Society, 1, (5), 2025, Journal Article, PUBLISHED  TARA - Full Text  DOI
John Bosco Conama, Belonging and Identity: Exploring the Sense of Community Among Members of the Irish Deaf Community, Gallaudet University Press, 2024, Book, SUBMITTED
John Bosco Conama, Ableism and Audism in Academia: Equity Literacy as the Promised Solution., Rethinking Marginality: Inclusion and Ableism, Pharos University in Alexandria, Egypt, 1-3 March, 2024, Conference Paper, APPROVED
John Bosco Conama, "It takes a village to raise a deaf child": The community context in deaf education in Ireland., REACH Journal is the Journal of Inclusive Education in Ireland., 2024, Journal Article, IN_PRESS
Conama J.B., The impact of language education policies on Irish sign language in Irish deaf education, Language Policy, 2024, Journal Article, PUBLISHED  DOI
John Bosco Conama, "A people remarkable for action and gesticulation -nrSir William ilde (1815-1876) and his survey on deaf people (1854), Sign Language Studies, 23, (2), 2023, p137 - 163, Journal Article, PUBLISHED  URL
Conama J.B., A People Remarkable for Action and Gesticulation: Sir William Wilde and His 1854 Survey on Deaf People, Sign Language Studies, 23, (2), 2023, p137 - 163, p137-163 , Journal Article, PUBLISHED  DOI
John Bosco Conama, No sign of it: the aftermath of the Irish Sign Language Act 2017, Authority, Power and Language, Univeristy of Limerick, 18-20 October, 2022, Conference Paper, SUBMITTED
  

Page 1 of 5
John Bosco Conama, No Sign of It: The Aftermath of the Irish Sign Language Act 2017, The Fact of Deafness: Perception, Representation, Visibility., Queens University, 21-22 March 2024, 2024, Notes: [The Inaugural Francis Maginn LEcture], Conference Paper, SUBMITTED
John Bosco Conama, Unemployment and underemployment among deaf individuals: Differing Perspective, FUTURE LEARNING AND WORK - Signed and Spoken Universal design and career planning with the Deaf community, Mansion House, Dublin 2, 18th April 2024, 2024, Conference Paper, PRESENTED
John Bosco Conama, Unlocking potential: The right to work for deaf individuals, BREAKING BARRIERS TO EMPLOYMENT FOR DEAF PEOPLE Conference, IHREC Offices, Green Street, 10th April 2024, 2024, Conference Paper, PRESENTED
Irish Deaf Research Network, 2024, The Long Room Hub, Meetings /Conferences Organised, ACCEPTED
John Bosco Conama, Sense of Community - Irish Deaf Community , Peaks and Valleys to Explore, Utah State University, USA, 4th April, 2022, Conference Paper, PRESENTED
John Bosco Conama, "I did it...Didn't I? - Reflections on my doctoral graduation after more than a decade.", Breaking Boundaries: A Disabled Postgraduates PhD Journey, Trinity College Dublin, 15th March, 2022, forum for Disabled Staff and Postdoc students, Invited Talk, PRESENTED
John Bosco Conama, Changing the narrative, Changing the narrative, Sweden, 27th February, 2022, Saved By The Sign , Invited Talk, PRESENTED
John Bosco Conama, COIL workshop in Norway in November to discuss the future of Deaf Studies and interpreting the training in Europe., Oslo, Norway, 2-4 November , 2022, OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University, Invited Talk, ACCEPTED
John Bosco Conama , Language Activism and the campaign for recognition of Irish Sign Language as 3rd Ireland"s official language, BAQONDE Summer School 2022, TCD, 2nd August 2022, 2022, Invited Talk, PRESENTED
John Bosco Conama , Official recognition of the Irish Sign Language and the Irish Sign Language Act, Europena Union of the Deaf's Sign Language awareness Week, Zoom, 20 September 2022, 2022, Invited Talk, PRESENTED

  


Page 1 of 11
Award Date
European Language Label - Language Ambassador September 2015
Media Award by Hidden Hearing - Media Award - Award for a campaigner / journalist / celebrity who has highlighted topics related to those who are Deaf or hard of hearing. September 2011
Doctoral scholarship from National Disability Authority 2002-07
Dr Ciaran Barry Scholarship for Masters research 1997
Supporter of the Year by Kerry Deaf Rsources Centre December 17, 2010
Masters in Arts (jure offici) 23 June 2017
Nominated for Teaching Excellence Award twice 2017 and 2024
Deaf Cultural Studies, Equality Studies, Media Studies, Social Policy, Deaf Education. All relating to the Deaf communities in Ireland and beyond My overarching research objective is to deepen and extend my work on language planning, social policy, and cultural studies, with a particular focus on the impact of government policies and planning tools on the status of Irish Sign Language (ISL). This research aligns closely with Trinity's Research Plan and the School's research objectives. My initial studies focused on assessing the effectiveness and societal impact of the Irish Sign Language Act. Building on this foundation, I have begun exploring Deaf cultural and equality studies, with the goal of securing funding to address a clear research gap: the perspectives of Deaf individuals in these areas. My research employs community-based and ethnographic methods, ensuring a strong connection between the research and the Deaf community. This includes focus groups, interviews, anonymous online surveys, and community observations. Additionally, I have initiated research on specific issues within the Irish Deaf community, such as community cohesion, resilience as a resource, and the institution of homogamy marriage. These topics are of particular interest due to their potential to provide new insights into how the Deaf/ISL community sustains and evolves over time. This research is innovative and original, as there has been little to no previous work in these areas. I aim to shed light on the complexities and sustainability of the Deaf/ISL community. The impact of my research has already yielded positive results. I have secured both external and internal research grants and established collaborative relationships with other scholars. My work has been published in several peer-reviewed journals, and I have ensured that research findings are accessible to the community by summarising them in ISL. These accomplishments demonstrate my readiness to contribute at a higher academic level, both independently and collaboratively.