Ireland’s first Deaf Café and Community Space will open in Dublin today.
Located on the Ratoath Road in Cabra, the Deaf Café hopes it can serve as a “symbol of inclusivity, empowerment and cultural preservation” for the community.
Patrons will be able to order their tea and coffee through Irish Sign Language - or with assisted technology if they prefer.
The café also plans to showcase the work of deaf artists and facilitate community meet ups.
The Deaf Café"Our space in Deaf Village Ireland was functional but not an exciting fun place,” Deaf Village Ireland Chairperson Anne Coogan said.
“When the Deaf Village Ireland board got an opportunity to revamp the space, I jumped at this chance and we were delighted to engage a deaf architect Richard Dougherty from Belfast.
“Our aim was to keep the Deaf community fully engaged in all aspects of the design, through a series of workshops and engaging with the wider Cabra community, to integrate both communities.
“This was a great innovation. My wish is that this is the first of many integrated Irish Sign Language cafes in Ireland."
The Deaf Café will be formally opened by Minister for Social Protection and Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys at 10am.
There are an estimated 45,000 people in Ireland’s Deaf community.
Main image: The Deaf Café.
