Return of popular free sign language classes to Laois
Free classes in Irish Sign Language are returning to Laois on the double, back by popular demand.
A course that was first given by in Portarlington last year by Laois Offaly Education and Training board (LOETB) and then in Portlaoise last January, is returning for the third time, and expected to fill up quickly.
Hazel Duffy, Community Education officer at LOETB says there is always high demand.
"The course was always very popular, we started it in our center in Portarlington before Christmas and trained 60 people.
"The demand always exceeds the places available. As people applying were from all across Laois, we decided to move it to Portlaoise and now Abbeyleix for those travelling from that side of Laois.
The course is in Irish Sign Language (ISL) and being delivered by "an amazing tutor Jessie".
A 6 Week programme starts on April 18 in Portlaoise institute, from 6:30pm-8:30pm.
Another 6 Week programme starts on April 19 in LOETB Abbeyleix, from 6:30pm-8:30pm.
Applications will be accepted via a form on the Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board Facebook page.
Irish Sign Language is the first and/or preferred language of 5000 Deaf people in Ireland. Approximately 40,000 people in general will communicate in ISL, including family, friends, co-workers. It is also used as a communication tool by non verbal people.