Dublin Zoo has become the first zoo in Ireland to provide Irish Sign Language (ISL) interpreted videos for deaf and hard of hearing visitors, available through QR codes across the site.
The initiative, launched this week in collaboration with Chime, the national charity for deaf and hard of hearing people, coincided with International Week of Deaf People. Members of Chime’s Dublin Deaf Group and client families attended the launch, taking part in a special wake-up experience with Asian elephants and an ISL-interpreted keeper talk.
QR codes have now been placed on signage at several key habitats, including the Asian lion, red panda, California sea lion, Humboldt penguin, Southern white rhinoceros and Asian elephant. Scanning the codes links to zookeeper talks featuring an ISL interpreter, with detailed information about the animals and their habitats.
Dublin Zoo Director, Dr Christoph Schwitzer, said the project was designed to make the zoo’s conservation message more accessible. “Education is at the heart of what we do. By introducing ISL-interpreted videos, we are endeavouring to ensure our educational message reaches deaf and hard of hearing people in an accessible and meaningful way. This exciting project helps us connect more deeply with our deaf and hard of hearing visitors, ensuring they can learn about, and enjoy, what we do.”
Chime partnered with Dublin Zoo’s Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusivity Working Group on the project. Danielle McLaughlin, Director of Advocacy and Communications with Chime, described it as a vital step. “Chime believes in breaking down barriers and making every experience accessible for deaf and hard of hearing people. By providing ISL interpretation, Dublin Zoo is not only adhering to the recognition of ISL as a language of the State, but also enhancing the zoo experience for the deaf and hard of hearing community. We are proud to work with Dublin Zoo in leading the way on accessibility and inclusion.”
The ISL videos were produced by Dublin Zoo’s marketing team with support from Animal Care Teams and interpreters provided by Chime.
