Valerie Mahon

Valerie Mahon

Professional Irish Sign Language Teacher

mahonva@tcd.ie

What is Irish Sign Language?

Irish Sign Language is the first language of the Irish Deaf Community, and is an important part of Deaf culture. Irish Sign Language is not “Sign Language through Irish” – it is the Sign Language used by the Irish Deaf community. It is a visual language, using the hands, facial expressions and body movements. Family, friends and professionals use Irish sign language to communicate with Deaf people. Ireland and many other countries, for example England, France or America, have their own sign languages.

I Provide:

• Irish Sign Language Day/Evening classes
• Irish Sign Language Home Tuition for deaf children and families.
• Deaf Awareness Training
• Transition year (TY) students
• Gaisce Awards

Training Qualifications:

• Diploma in Deaf Studies – Centre for Deaf Studies, Trinity College Dublin (2007-2009) – graduated 2009.
• Diploma in Deaf Studies – Irish Sign Language Teaching, Centre for Deaf Studies, Trinity College Dublin, (2009-2010) – graduated 2010.
• Bachelor in Deaf Studies – Irish Sign Language Teaching (B.St.Su), Centre for Deaf Studies, Trinity College Dublin (2011-2013) – graduated in December 2013.

Registered with the Teaching Council of Ireland, register number – 198078

I am member of the Irish Deaf Society and the Irish Sign Language Academy. I am on the Committee of the Irish Sign Language Academy.

Teaching Training Development – Assessment workshops, FETAC Level 3 and Level 4 – facilitated by Patrick A. Matthews.

“Sharing the Reading Project” – Aimed at hearing parents reading stories to young deaf children through Irish Sign Language (ISL). Facilitated by Elizabeth Matthews, Deaf Education Centre.

Preferred Geographical Location: Leitrim, Longford, Sligo, Roscommon, Cavan, Mayo and Dublin City Centre