Kerry Deaf Resource Centre update 30.07.12

SUCCESSFUL RESIDENTIAL CAMP.
Last week was a very busy week for our service and for many of our young
clients. A residential camp was held in Tralee in conjunction with Cork Deaf
Association.

The camp was open to youth under 18 years of age from Cork and Kerry and
included Deaf sign language users, hard of hearing, individuals with
cochlear implants and for hearing kid/teenagers from Deaf families. It was
also open to young adults with disabilities including autism, learning
disability and night blindness. To ensure everyone was safe and sound, there
were three full time senior leaders Susan O’Callaghan, Veronica White and
Anthony Claffey and two Junior leaders Steven White and Roisin Ormond. There
were also a number of volunteers that worked long hours and they included
Patrick Doody, Geraldine Broderick, John Patrick Doherty, Mike Callanan,
Daniel Callanan and Willie White. The total number of participants and
volunteers for the week was 31.

The itinerary included Hill walking, swimming in the Tralee AquaDome,
Oceanworld and Play at Height Climbing Wall & High Ropes in Dingle, Beach
Activities, Games and BBQ in Poulgorm, Cycling and sightseeing in the
Killarney National Parks, Bowling in Tralee Bowling Buddies, Paddle Boating
and tour in Tralee wetlands. On top of this was Chinese take away; Pizza and
DVD’s back in the Sean Mhuileann apartments in Tralee.

The event was a great success and we are very grateful to all the leaders
and volunteers. We could not have done the camp without your hard work,
support and dedication. Our thanks to Cork Deaf Association for all their
hard work and support. A special word of thanks to Susan O’Callaghan and
Veronica White who worked tirelessly over the past few months organising the
event. Thanks also to Mary Duggan who provided one to one support to one of
our young adults for a number of sessions.

CENSUS STATISTICS ON DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING.
In the most recent Census held in Ireland, questions were listed for the 1st
time relating to the number of Deaf and hard of hearing people. It also
covered the number of those who communicated through Irish Sign Language.
The CSO has just informed us that these statistics will be published in
Profile 8- Bill of Health – Health, Disability and Carers on the 1st
November 2012.

IDS HEROES AWARDS
The Irish Deaf Society and Hidden Hearing have launched its HEROES awards
2012 for the Deaf and hard of hearing community in Ireland. The awards are
for those who have made a significant and important contribution to their
society, community, workplace, family or through sports.

If you know a Deaf or hard of hearing person who deserves an award, you can
nominate them (or yourself) by filling in the application form.

Categories include:
Social Contribution Award recognising a Deaf or Hard of Hearing person’s
contribution to society and their community.
Workplace Award for someone who has excelled in the workplace.
Youth Award for those aged between 6-18 who have achieved much in their
young lives.
Grandparents Award for a special grandparent deserving of an award.
Sportsperson Award recognising the sporting achievement of a Deaf or Hard of
Hearing person.
Media Award for a campaigner who has highlighted topics related to those who
are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
Lifetime Achievement Award for an individual who has played a key role over
their lifetime.
Student Award which is an award for a Deaf or Hard of Hearing person who has
done well at second or third level education.
Organisation Award which for an organisation that works on behalf of or with
the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.

If you would more information or would like to send in an Irish Sign
Language application, you can contact [email protected] and they
will organise that with you.

CLOSED FOR ANNUAL LEAVE.
This is to inform everyone that we will close for annual leave from the 1st
of August to the 1st of Sept. We would like to thank all our staff and
volunteers for all their hard work to date.

If you require access to sign language interpreting for medical or legal
emergencies during this period, go to www.slis.ie

OUR CONTACT DETAILS:
Kerry Deaf Resource Centre
4 Gas Tce, Tralee

Mobile (text): 087 633 4687
E-mail: [email protected]

www.kerrydeaf.com
www.facebook.com/kerrydeaf

Fax: 066 712 0386
Tel: 066 712 0399