Importance of sport to deaf and hard of hearing people

The contribution sport makes to the lifestyle of deaf and hard of hearing people was highlighted today at a meeting between the Sports Minister Nelson McCausland and RNID.

Brian Symington Head of RNID, the Royal National Institute for Deaf People, was accompanied by members of the deaf sports community to the meeting with the Sports Minister. Minister McCausland was keen to find out the experiences and challenges faced by deaf sports participants so the Department can ensure that sport, both at home and internationally, can become inclusive for all.

Nelson McCausland explained further: "Over recent years, £250,000 has been committed by DCAL to improving access to public services for deaf and hard of hearing people. Projects funded by DCAL have had a significant impact on the number and quality of sign language professionals in Northern Ireland. DCAL funded projects have also ensured that high quality tutor training, previously only available in England, is now available within Northern Ireland.

"DCAL leads on the Sign Language Partnership Group (SLPG), which brings together all government departments with organisations representing the deaf community. It provides a forum for debate and aims to promote awareness of deaf issues and improve access to public services for deaf people."

In conclusion the Minister said: “Last year I very much enjoyed a visit to the Belfast Deaf Badminton Club on the occasion of the 40th anniversary. My engagement with the club and members of the deaf community has impressed upon me the importance of empowering deaf people to take their rightful place in society and ensuring that the rights of deaf people are protected."

The Minister is also keen to learn more about a deaf culture centre of excellence planned for Wilton House in Belfast. The centre of excellence is a project which is dedicated to exploring deaf culture and will provide a meeting place to enhance and protect the heritage, language and education of deaf people for future generations.

Notes to editors:

1. The number of interpreters in Northern Ireland has risen from 11 in 2009 to 18 in 2010.

2. Further information on the work of the SLPG can be obtained by writing to Department of Culture Arts and Leisure Languages Branch Causeway Exchange 1/7 Bedford Street Belfast or by email.