07-05-2025
Deaf mum-of-three delivers powerful talk at Limerick conference on deaf parenting
Held this Tuesday, the Supporting Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Disabled Parents' Conference brought together representatives from Disabled Persons Organisations, HSE, Tusla, disability service providers, parenting support providers, and Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and disabled parents, along with academics from across the country.
One of the most powerful moments came from Elaine Grehan of the Irish Deaf Society, a deaf mother-of-three hearing children.
Ms Grehan spoke about the challenges deaf and hard-of-hearing parents face, particularly in overcoming the attitudes that cast doubt on their capabilities.
Disability advocate and author Ann Marie Flanagan drew on her own experience as a disabled parent and discussed the lack of dedicated support – for example, adapted baby equipment – and the ingenuity required of disabled parents who often must be the architects of their own solutions.
Julie Helen, a disabled mother and vocal advocate, urged for 'human rights-focused support, respect, understanding, improved communication, and trust-building.'
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth was represented by Joanne McGarry, who affirmed the Department's commitment to building inclusive parenting supports. 'We're working to develop initiatives that cater to all parents, including those who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, or disabled,' she said.
Conference organisers Professor Donal Fortune and Dr Elaine Rogers described the event as a 'beginning,' saying they were 'delighted with the support for this event' and eager to see momentum continue.
'We look forward to the development of peer and professional support networks for Deaf, hard of hearing and disabled parents in Ireland,' they said.
