New ISL installations along Limerick Greenway offer greater accessibility for the deaf community, fostering inclusivity and raising awareness of Irish sign language
In celebration of Irish Sign Language (ISL) Awareness Week, Limerick Greenway has taken a significant step toward inclusivity by installing new audio-visual features to cater to visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing. These additions, which blend culture with accessible technology, provide a more personal experience for all visitors, further enhancing the greenway’s status as a community-centred space since its opening in July 2021.
The two ISL-integrated audio installations are located at key points along the greenway: Barnagh Viewing Point and Tullig Wood. These audio boxes play traditional Irish music and share detailed information about the cultural and natural heritage of West Limerick. The installations feature dual accessibility—each audio box not only plays sounds but also comes equipped with ISL interpretation, ensuring equal access to information for those who rely on sign language.
At the official launch of the installations, Cllr Jerome Scanlan highlighted their importance, noting how they open up a new avenue of accessibility for the Deaf community. The installations provide local guides on topics such as the history of the West Limerick region, its biodiversity, and an interpretation of the view from Barnagh Viewpoint. Beyond just enhancing access, the installations serve an educational purpose, offering visitors further information about the area.
There is a QR code attached to each audio installation, when scanned, these codes direct visitors to video interpretations of the content, signed by local ISL advocate Mary Kiely. This interactive element ensures that visitors who are Deaf or hard of hearing can access the same information as everyone else.
Mary emphasized the value of these installations: “These new ISL installations are vital for the Deaf and hard of hearing community as it gives them equal access to the information in their first or preferred language.” Kiely also noted that while Irish Sign Language became Ireland’s third officially recognized language in 2017, it is still “unbeknown to lots of people,” highlighting the importance of raising awareness.
The hope is that these installations will pave the way for more ISL integrations in public services across Ireland. Kiely expressed “We hope that this, in turn, will promote more ISL installations in other public services as this has a very positive impact on the Deaf community. It will change their everyday lives, faced with communication barriers and lack of ISL services.”
With the installation of these ISL-supported features, Limerick Greenway is not just a space for recreation but also a model for how public spaces can become more inclusive, ensuring a sense of belonging for all visitors. These efforts not only provide practical access but also promote greater awareness of the importance of ISL in Irish society.