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Sign Language Society celebrates successful launch of Dialogue Café on Sligo Campus
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Sign Language Society launched its new Dialogue Café on 21 September at the Sligo campus, creating a welcoming space for people to practice Irish Sign Language (ISL), build confidence and connect with others.
The launch, which coincided with International Week of Deaf People, brought together students, staff and members of the wider community to celebrate communication, accessibility and inclusion.
Supported through the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education’s SATLE funding initiative, the Dialogue Café is a weekly drop-in session where signers of all abilities can practice ISL in an informal and supportive environment.
Dr Tamsin Cavaliero SFHEA, lecturer and co-founder of ATU’s Irish Sign Language Society in Sligo, said:
Dialogue Café is about creating opportunities for people to connect through sign language. You don’t need to be fluent in Irish Sign Language to come along. It is a shared practice space where people can learn from one another, build confidence, communicate and make connections. Ultimately we want to create spaces where different ways of communicating are recognised, respected and valued.
The Dialogue Café is open to ATU students, staff and members of the public.
Dialogue Café takes place every Monday from 1pm to 2pm in Room B1318 on the ATU Sligo campus. The society also plans to host further events throughout the year, creating additional opportunities for people to connect through sign language.
The initiative is also expanding across ATU, with a new Sign Language Group launching at the ATU’s Mayo Campus this week. The group will meet every Tuesday from 1pm to 2pm in Room Y007, extending opportunities for students, staff and the wider community to engage with Irish Sign Language.
Photo caption: Attendees at the first Dialogue Café on the ATU Sligo Campus.
