The Social Inclusion Project was a 12 month initiative delivered by SBTS and funded by Reach Deaf Services. The project explored identity, belonging, representation and participation within the Irish Deaf community, creating opportunities for Deaf people to engage with conversations that are often overlooked within Deaf spaces.

Grounded in culturally responsive, Deaf centred and non formal education, the project created spaces for meaningful dialogue around race, migration, identity, self advocacy and social inclusion. A key focus of the work was ensuring that the experiences and perspectives of racialised Deaf people were visible, valued and included in conversations about the future of Deaf communities in Ireland.

The project brought together a range of interconnected programmes designed to strengthen both individuals and the wider community. SBTS delivered a 10 week Community Conversations series featuring 14 Deaf speakers from around the world, attracting 364 live attendances from participants across 30 countries. These conversations created opportunities for learning, reflection and exchange on issues relating to identity, culture, equity and belonging.

Alongside this, SBTS designed and delivered eight IMAP workshops with Deaf primary and post primary students, using interactive and accessible learning methods to explore identity, inclusion, belonging and equity. The project also included a community engagement weekend for racialised Deaf participants, creating space for connection, shared experiences and community building. An internship programme supported emerging Deaf leaders through practical experience, mentorship and skills development, while the development of the Saved By The Sign website strengthened the organisation’s capacity to share resources, amplify stories and expand its impact.

The Social Inclusion Project strengthened confidence, critical thinking, self advocacy and cross cultural understanding while generating valuable insight into the experiences of racialised Deaf people in Ireland. It reinforced the importance of community led approaches to inclusion and demonstrated the value of creating spaces where Deaf people can engage with complex social issues in accessible, meaningful and culturally relevant ways.

The learning, relationships and resources developed through the project continue to shape SBTS’s work across education, advocacy, consultancy and storytelling, contributing to more inclusive, representative and culturally responsive Deaf communities in Ireland and beyond.