Irish Deaf Youth Association
The IDYA is an organisation which was set up for the eighteen to thirty age group in Ireland to ensure that young Deaf people were being represented on a national level. They are affiliated to the Irish Deaf Society, European Union of the Deaf Youth and the World Federation of the Deaf Youth Section (or WFDYs).
The IDYA was set up on the 18 October 1986 in Athlone; there had been a Dublin Young Deaf Peoples club, which was set up in 1976 (Dublin Deaf Association) , but the IDS felt this not suitable for those outside Dublin.
The IDS had encouraged the IDYA in its earlier stages to embark on projects such as leadership courses, youth camps and social exchanges. The IDYA aims to provide services to school leavers and offers advice and assistance when needed on any topic which affects young people.
Due to the internet age, The IDYA now have contacts with many youth groups throughout the world whereby we assist each other with IDeaS and suggestions. We also attend training camps in various countries which teach us new ways of continuing our youth group.
We are a voluntary organisation and we continually raise money and apply for grants to ensure our ideas are met. We are always open to suggestions and welcome new members. Our office is based at the Irish Deaf Society here in Dublin.
Recent successes by the Irish Deaf Youth Association include:
- Setting up of webpage: www.irishdeafyouth.com which includes signed videos in ISL
- Setting up of a blog page: www.idyablog.com - includes signed videos in ISL
- The Irish - UK camp - www.iukcamp.com
- An EU Youth Exchange with a Latvian Deaf Youth Organisation (2005)