Download the English Language Full pdf version here: Strategic Plan 2023-2028 PDF Version
Read the English Transcription of the video:
Introduction
Welcome to the Cork Deaf Association Strategic Plan 2023-2028.
The Cork Deaf Association (called CDA) provides supports and services to people who are d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing and to people who have Tinnitus or another ear related condition such as Meniere’s Disease.
In this Strategic Plan, the Cork Deaf Association mainly uses the terms ‘d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing’ to be as inclusive as possible. In our written Strategic Plan, we use both small d and big D deaf.
The CDA recognises and respects individual expression of identity, preferred terms, and communication preferences. We will always be guided by the individual.
Why is there a need for organisations like CDA?
There is a huge need for organisations like CDA because there is a significant number of d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing adults and children in Ireland.
A HSE Audiological Review stated that 8% of the adult population in Ireland is in need of audiological intervention. This increases to 50% in the over 70 age group. The Review also said that up to 4,500 preschool and school age children in Ireland will have a permanent hearing loss.
The WHO (World Health Organisation) says that approximately one in four people will have some degree of hearing loss by the year 20503.
About 10% of people report persistent Tinnitus and roughly one in ten of these people is significantly troubled by the noises.
In relation to Irish Sign Language users, the Irish Deaf Society estimates that Irish Sign Language (ISL) is the first or preferred language of an estimated 5,000 d/Deaf people in Ireland and an estimated 40,000 who communicate through ISL (family, friends, co-workers etc.) 4
The National Disability Authority (NDA) published a Report on the operation of the Irish Sign Language Act in 2023. The Report showed that a lot more work is needed to implement the Act. There are urgent access issues in the education system, the health system, the courts system and many other areas. The Report also included a list of recommendations, including the importance of raising awareness of legal rights for ISL users in public bodies.
It is clear that CDA has a lot of important work to do for a large group of people.
What does CDA do for the Community?
The CDA is a charity which is partially funded by the HSE. It provides a lot of supports and services to people who are d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing and people with Tinnitus and other ear related conditions.
What are some examples of CDA services?
- Support and education to families;
- Social work and mental health supports;
- Social groups and activities;
- Audiological hearing therapy clinics;
- Outreach; and
- Education and training to the public.
Strategic Aim 1 – Advocacy & Communications
CDA aims to do the following things:
- Create a communication plan.
- Promote understanding and awareness of issues affecting d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing people and people with Tinnitus and other ear related conditions.
- Campaign and influence public policy.
Outcome Statements
- Use campaigns to create positive change for d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing people.
- Increase the visibility / branding and messaging of CDA.
Strategic Aim 2 – Financial Sustainability
Strategic Objectives
For this Aim, CDA will do the following:
- Develop a fundraising plan.
- Maintain strong relationships with key funders.
- Explore new opportunities for increasing income from different sources.
Outcome Statements
- Continue to build and maintain good relationships with our funders.
- Develop a Corporate Engagement Plan.
- Explore the possibility of an annual CDA awareness day.
Strategic Aim 3 – Governance
Governance means how an organisation is run. CDA aims to have the highest standards of good governance.
Strategic Objectives
CDA will:
- Make sure that the organisation achieves its charity aims and is well managed; and
- Make sure that organisation shows the highest standard of governance with good organisation structures.
Outcome Statements
- Ensure that the Board has regular skills analyses so that it will have a good mix of skills to do essential Board duties.
- Show highest standards of governance and financial management.
- Strengthen organisational structure.
- Provide ongoing training and development for Board members.
- Establish an ongoing process of new Board member recruitment.
Strategic Aim 4 – Collaboration, Support & Education
Strategic Objectives
CDA aims to:
- Develop further support and education services to empower d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing people and people with Tinnitus.
- Work collaboratively to improve services for people who are d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing and people with Tinnitus and increase knowledge and awareness within the general public, public bodies and business communities.
Outcome Statements
- Provide training, education and awareness for those involved in d/Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Tinnitus supports and services.
- Find gaps in service needs and work to fill them.
Strategic Aim 5 – Advice & Support Services
Strategic Objective
We aim to provide services that are in line with the “National Disability Strategy” and other key statutory policy and legislative guidelines.
Outcome Statements
We are committing to enhancing and developing the following areas over the next 5 years. We will:
- Develop a services strategy to guide the expansion of our services;
- Define the type of services that we will provide into the future;
- Provide highest quality care and support to our service users
Strategic Aim 6 – Innovation
Strategic Objective
CDA aims to promote awareness and use of assistive tools and technologies to enhance the lives of people who are d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing and people who have Tinnitus.
Outcome Statements
- Increase public awareness of assistive technologies available to improve inclusion and access for people who are d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
- Strengthen links with other organisations and educational centres to improve development of assistive technology.
- Improve accessibility on CDA website.
- Look for opportunities to increase staff training on assistive technology.
- Continue to develop CDA technology based support.
Download the English Language Full pdf version here: Strategic Plan 2023-2028 PDF Version
