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RNID: For deaf and hard of hearing people.
RNID and BDA host joint celebration event in Northern Ireland
RNID Northern Ireland held a celebration event on 30 June to mark the recent announcement by the Minister for Employment and Learning, Sir Reg Empey MLA, of a £1.3million investment in sign language interpreter and tutor training in Northern Ireland.
Joint event a success
RNID NI hosted the event for around 50 sign language users in partnership with the British Deaf Association (BDA), in Parliament Buildings in Belfast. The event attracted media attention from BBC news who broadcast their report live from Parliament Buildings on the evening bulletin.
The announcement of the £1.3million investment by the Department of Employment and Learning was the culmination of many years of lobbying by RNID, other deaf organisations and the local deaf community, and our efforts were recognised by the Minister, Sir Reg Empey MLA, who paid tribute in particular to Brian Symington, RNID Northern Ireland Director and his team for increasing the profile of deaf issues.
Brian said, "This significant improvement in access to sign language interpreters will remove unnecessary barriers preventing many BSL and ISL users from leading fulfilling lives."
Chair of the BDA, Francis Murphy, added: "This shows real progress towards achieving equality for the Deaf Community and the BDA looks forward to working with all the partners in achieving this aim."