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A new independent organisation, Irish.Deaf.com, has produced a directory aimed at anyone with partial or full deafness. The directory is a printed version of the Irish Deaf.com website, which was founded in 2003 by web designer Stephen Gilligan. To support the site, Gilligan chose Hosting365.ie as his hosting partner.

As Gilligan explains, the web is a natural platform for deaf people. The availability of chat rooms and online messaging means it is now possible for the deaf community to have conversations across different locations in real time.

“Email and instant messaging has totally transformed the ability of deaf people to exchange information at work,� says Gilligan. “Whether just gathering information from a corporate website or following through with requests for more information, the web has revolutionised the way deaf people work.�

Gilligan set up Swords Web Solutions two years ago and now has a number of clients. When choosing a hosting partner for his business he found Hosting365.ie offered the best value and service. “Naturally I need support via email and I have found the company to be excellent – they respond to email with the same urgency that is normally given to telephone calls. I am very pleased with their problem solving and customer attention.�

Hosting365.ie is now officially Ireland’s largest hosting company with more than 11 percent of total Irish market. Stephen McCarron, CEO of Hosting365.ie welcomes the new directory and praises Gilligan for his achievement.

“The web is a powerful ally in empowering deaf people to compete on a level playing field. For example, 90 per cent of all our support is conducted via email, a role that requires computer literacy and keyboard skills but not speech. Working with Stephen is the same as working with any other web designer and we applaud his determination to produce the first Irish Deaf Directory.�

Irish Deaf.com was set up in 2003 as part of the European Year of People with Disabilities. Gilligan, whose background is in accounting, started dabbling in the web after returning from Australia. “I saw that there was a need for a central resource for Deaf people in Ireland.

“Irish Deaf.com provides information and directory services to both deaf and hearing people. Our role is to liaise with organisations interested in this area. We are keen to raise awareness of the deaf community in Ireland, what it can offer hearing people and what elements hinder deaf people.

“We also see our role to provide information to assist deaf people to communicate better, offering advice on how technology can be used to reduce isolation whether in work or at home,� says Gilligan

The directory consists of listing of deaf clubs and organisations, service providers with accessible services such as cinemas with subtitled films, theatres with signed interpreted plays, companies with minicom and other accessible communication methods. Sponsors of the Irish Deaf.com directory are Michael Bradley and Associates and Comhairle.

The book will be available for purchase at all Eason Bookstores.

For more information, visit www.irishdeaf.com