0 0 Celebrating 60 years! As we mark 60 years of Chime, we reflect on the remarkable journey we've undertaken to support and advocate for people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Wednesday 5 June 2024 As we mark 60 years of Chime, we reflect on the remarkable journey we've undertaken to support and advocate for people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Our commitment to inclusivity and empowerment has driven us through decades of change, growth, and innovation. A Changing Landscape When the National Association for the Deaf was founded in 1964, the landscape for people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing was very different. Awareness and resources were limited, and societal barriers were prevalent. Over the years, we've seen significant shifts in attitudes, policies, and the overall understanding of Deafness and Hearing Loss. Advocacy and education have played crucial roles in these transformations, and Chime has been working endlessly to promote equal opportunities and rights. Advancing together At Chime, we understand that progress is a collective effort, achieved through unity and collaboration. For six decades, we've been leading the way in change, working with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community to move towards a more inclusive society. One of our proudest achievements has been our role in advocating for the recognition of Irish Sign Language (ISL) as an official language in Ireland. This milestone has significantly improved accessibility and inclusion for the Deaf community, ensuring that ISL users have the right to communicate in their preferred language. Our Ongoing Mission Despite the changes in technology and societal attitudes, our core mission remains the same: to support and empower individuals who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. We offer a range of services, including newly diagnosed weekends for children, residential and day services for members of the Deaf community who need additional support, along with social groups, outreach clinics, 1 to 1 support, summer camps, hearing care and advocacy to name a few. Our services are designed to meet the diverse needs of our community, from children to seniors, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to live a full and connected life. We continue to adapt, integrating new approaches to better serve our community. Our commitment to inclusivity extends beyond assistive technology; we advocate for accessible environments, inclusion on all levels, equal opportunities in education and employment, and broader societal awareness and understanding. Looking Ahead As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, we are proud of our past achievements and excited about the future. We remain dedicated to breaking down barriers, fostering inclusion, and enhancing the lives of Deaf and Hard of Hearing people. Our journey is a testament to the resilience and strength of our community, and we look forward to many more years of making a positive impact. Thank you to everyone who has been part of Chime's journey. Your support, advocacy, and collaboration have been invaluable. Together, we will continue to create a world where everyone can thrive. Here's to 60 years of progress, and to many more years of support and empowerment. Happy Anniversary, Chime! Take a look at our video here! See Article in ISL here.