The Irish Deaf Society (IDS) is the national representative organisation of the Deaf and hard of hearing, serving the interest and welfare of the Deaf community. It also upholds the status of Irish Sign Language (ISL), which is the first and preferred language of Deaf people in Ireland. It provides a number of specific health, personal and social information services to Deaf and hard of hearing adults, children and their families.

The Irish Deaf Society, as Ireland's National Association OF the Deaf, strives to highlight the societal needs of all sections in the Deaf community, advocates the human rights of Deaf people through empowerment and achievement of equal access in all aspects of life endowed by full Irish citizenship. This empowerment and equality shall be achieved through upholding the status of Irish Sign Language and its related culture and norms.



The Society seeks to enhance the standard of living for all Deaf and hard of hearing people, who have traditionally faced the threats of poverty, limited employment opportunities and other difficulties, due to lack of public understanding or appreciation for the essential needs of Deaf and hard of hearing people. The Society is also officially recognised as a charity by the Revenue Commissioners.