Potential of the Centre for Deaf Studies (CDS): its role in enhancing social justice for the Deaf community: a personal observation

Abstract

The establishment of the Centre for Deaf Studies at the University of Dublin, Trinity College, is justifiably regarded as a milestone in the history of the Deaf community. The paper briefly examines the general perception of what CDS is for and how it relates to my personal experience of representing the Deaf community at public policy level. The issue of social justice for the Deaf community in this context is briefly discussed. Brief consideration is given to how similar centres (e.g. Women's Studies) were established and how their establishment and development is paralleled with of the establishment of CDS. The paper concludes by pointing out the uniqueness and potentiality of CDS in its role in enhancing social justice for the Irish Deaf community.