Athy community celebrates 24 learners receiving ISL Awards
Mary Byrne, Linda Dobbyn, Melissa Howlett, Maggie Owens and Breda Moore Flynn Photos: Aisling Hyland
Memberof the Athy Sing and Sign community were awarded QQI Level 3 certificates in Irish Sign Language (ISL) at the Clanard Court Hotel, marking a significant step toward inclusivity and communication within the area of Athy.
The awards were the result of a 15-week course supported by the Irish Deaf Society and funded by the local property tax through Kildare County Council.
Participants attended online classes twice a week via Zoom and reinforced their learning in person at weekly club meetings. The course equipped them with basic sign language skills, enabling conversations about everyday topics like greetings, family, weather, and ordering food in restaurants.
"It's brilliant – they'll now be able to hold a basic conversation with a deaf person," said Maggie Owens of Athy Sing and Sign. “We even had three mother-and-daughter pairs doing it together, which was really lovely.”
Melissa Howlett from the Irish Deaf Society attended the awards ceremony to present certificates and speak to the group in ISL, telling the room how important learning the language is for making communities more accessible and inclusive, and how proud the Irish Deaf Society is of the awardees.
“We’re incredibly proud of all our members.” said Melissa. “Last week, I was invited to give a presentation at the BATOD Ireland (British Association of Teachers of the Deaf Ireland) online event, sharing the story and success of the Athy Sing and Sign Club. It was a privilege to highlight our journey, and the feedback was fantastic. Some attendees even said 'Athy is the place to be!'”
Melissa also announced on the night that Athy Irish Sing and Sign group are Kildare finalists in the All-Ireland Pride of Place competition, nominated by Kildare County Council. She also gave a special thanks to ISL leaders Linda, Breda, Mary, Majella, and Gráinne, along with all the parents, local community, councillors, and members. Local council representatives cathaoirleach Aoife Breslin and cllr Mark Leigh were also present to show their support and congratulated the students.
With LPT funding awarded to the group, there’s the hope that more students will be able to advance their learning of ISL to a higher level in the future.
