Dr. John Conama
Project Manager, C.L.C.S.
Project Manager, Centre for Deaf Studies
Biography
Dr John Bosco Conama, Ph.D., M. Litt, BA in Social Policy, is a prominent figure in Deaf studies and advocacy, currently serving as the Director of the Centre for Deaf Studies and an Assistant Professor at Trinity College Dublin. As Vice-Chair of the Irish Deaf Society and co-chair of the group implementing the Irish Sign Language Act, he actively shapes policies to enhance the rights and inclusion of Deaf individuals. Dr Conama's commitment to equity is further demonstrated through his membership in the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission's disability advisory committee. His academic journey, culminating in a Ph.D. in Equality Studies from University College Dublin, focuses on language rights and social justice for Deaf communities. Recognized as the Language Ambassador of the Year 2015, his efforts in promoting and preserving Irish Sign Language are widely acclaimed, and his scholarly publications inform discourse on Deaf individuals' experiences and the importance of social policies in safeguarding linguistic diversity. Beyond academia, Dr Conama's leadership as Chair of the Irish Sign Language Recognition Campaign reflects his dedication to advancing Deaf rights through activism and scholarship, advocating for equality, inclusion, and empowerment within the Deaf community and society.
Publications and Further Research Outputs
Peer-Reviewed Publications
Chapter 50: No sign of it: The aftermath of the Irish Sign Language Act 2017 in, editor(s)Darquennes, Jeroen (CoI)Salmons, Joseph (CoI)Vandenbussche, Wim (CoI) , Language Contact: An international handbook. Volume 2, 2025, [John Bosco Conama]
Audism in Systemic Policies in, editor(s)Patrick Boudreault and Genie Gertz , Audism Textbook, Oxford University Press, 2025, [John Bosco Conama]
John Bosco Conama, "It takes a village to raise a deaf child": The community context in deaf education in Ireland., REACH Journal is the Journal of Inclusive Education in Ireland., 2024
John Bosco Conama, Belonging and Identity: Exploring the Sense of Community Among Members of the Irish Deaf Community, Gallaudet University Press, 2024
John Bosco Conama, Ableism and Audism in Academia: Equity Literacy as the Promised Solution., Rethinking Marginality: Inclusion and Ableism, Pharos University in Alexandria, Egypt, 1-3 March, 2024
Conama J.B., The impact of language education policies on Irish sign language in Irish deaf education, Language Policy, 2024
John Bosco Conama, "A people remarkable for action and gesticulation -nrSir William ilde (1815-1876) and his survey on deaf people (1854), Sign Language Studies, 23, (2), 2023, p137 - 163
Conama J.B., A People Remarkable for Action and Gesticulation: Sir William Wilde and His 1854 Survey on Deaf People, Sign Language Studies, 23, (2), 2023, p137 - 163, p137-163
John Bosco Conama, No sign of it: the aftermath of the Irish Sign Language Act 2017, Authority, Power and Language, Univeristy of Limerick, 18-20 October, 2022
John Bosco Conama, Sense of Community, Language and Life in D/deaf Communities, University of Bern , Switzerland, 18-19 November, 2022, Center for the Study of Language and Society (CSLS) at the University of Bern,
John Bosco Conama, How To Sign On And Stay There: SNAPSHOT OF THE FEELING OF BELONGING WITHIN THE IRISH DEAF COMMUNITY." , Irish Journal of Sociology, 2022
John Bosco Conama, Progress Report on the Sense of the Community research, TEANGA - Irish Association for Applied Linguistics , 2021
Access to employment for deaf graduates, employees and jobseeking signers: findings from the DESIGNS project in, editor(s)Dr Goedele de Klerk , UNCRPD Implementation in Europe - A Deaf Perspective 9: Access to information and communication, Brussels, European Union of the Deaf, 2021, pp179 - 193, [Haaris Sheikh, Jemina Napier, Audrey Cameron, Lorraine Leeson, Christian Rathmann, Chris Peters, John Bosco Conama, Rachel Moiselle, ]
The Bumpy Journey towards the Irish Sign Language Act: Critical Considerations and Personal Reflections of a Deaf Activist -Scholar in, editor(s)Clare Cunningham and Chris Hall (York St John's University) , Vulnerabilities, Challenges and Risks in Applied Linguistics, Bristol, De Gruyter, 2021, pp48 - 62, [John Bosco Conama]
Approved communication support for deaf patients in Ireland during COVID-1 in, editor(s)Goedele A,.M. DeClerk , European survey on state responses to the pandemic, European Union of the Deaf., European Union of the Deaf, 2021, pp94 - 98, [ii) Grehan, Elaine, John Bosco Conama & John Sherwin ]
Approved communication support for deaf patients in Ireland during COVID-19 in, editor(s)Dr Goedele de Klerk , UNCRPD Implementation in Europe - A Deaf PerspectiveArticle 9: Access to information and communication, Brussels, European Union of the Deaf, 2021, pp94 - 98, [John Bosco Conama, Elaine Grehan and John Sherwin]
Jemina Napier, Audrey Cameron, Lorraine Leeson, John Bosco Conama, Christian Rathmann, Chris Peters & Haaris Sheikh, DESIGNS: Creating Employment for Deaf Signers in Europe, 5, Dublin, Centre for Deaf Studies, Trinity College Dublin, January, 2020
John Bosco Conama and Cormac Leonard, In Search of ISL's Pre-History: The complex origins of Irish sign language(s), TEANGA - Irish Association of Applied Linguistics, 2020, phttps://doi.org/10.35903/teang
35 Years and Counting! An Ethnographic Analysis of Sign Language Ideologies within the Irish Sign Language Recognition Campaign in, editor(s)Annelies Kusters , Sign Language Ideologies in Practice, De Gruyter, 2020, [John Bosco Conama]
John Bosco Conama, `Ah, That's Not Necessary, You Can Read English Instead": An Analysis of State Language Policy Concerning Irish Sign Language and Its Effects, The Legal Recognition of Sign Languages: Advocacy and Outcomes around the World, Bristol, UK, edited by Maartje de Meulder, Joseph J. Murray and Rachel L. McKee , 2019, pp19 - 35
Sign Language Communities in, Hogan-Brun & O'Rourke , Handbook on Minority Languages and Communities (, Palgrave Macmillan, 2019, [Maartje De Meulder, Verena Krausneker, Graham Turner, John Bosco Conama]
John Bosco Conama, ISL recognition and its implementation, DFIG conference, University of Wolverhampton, 13th February, 2019, University of Wolverhampton
Christian Rathmann, Chris Peters, Anna Grimm, Andreas Bittner, and Aletta Heldt (German version). Original Version in English: Haaris Sheikh, Lorraine Leeson, Caroline McGrotty and John Bosco Conama, Sie Haben Den Job! Ein Leitfaden für Arbeitgeber_innen im Umgang mit tauben Gebärdensprachnutzer_innen. Dublin: IGI Publishing. , Dublin, IGI Publishing, 2019, 1 - 54pp
Ah, that's not necessary, you can read English instead": An ecological analysis of state language policy concerning Irish Sign Language, Irish and English and its effects in, editor(s)Maartje de Meulder, Jospeh Murray and Rachel McKee , Recognizing Sign Languages: An International Overview Of National Campaigns For Sign Language Legislation And Their Outcomes, Multilingual Matters, 2019, pp19 - 35, [John Bosco Conama]
DESIGNS Team, 'Final Report', Dublin , Interesource Ltd, 2019, -
Jemina Napier, Haaris Sheikh, Audrey Cameron, Lorraine Leeson, John Bosco Conama, Christian Rathmann, and Christian Peters, DESIGNS: Perspectives on Deaf people's access to employment through interpreters, European Forum of Sign Language Interpreters Conference, Dubrovnik, Croatia, September 2018, 2018
Haaris Sheikh, John Bosco Conama and Lorraine Leeson, 'A Guide to Kilkenny Castle', Dublin: IGI Media, Office of Public Works (OPW), 2018, -
Sheikh, Haaris, Lorraine Leeson, Caroline McGrotty, Ann Heelan, John Bosco Conama, You're Hired! A Guide for Employers when Working with Deaf Sign Language Users, Dublin, IGI Publications, 2018, 1-51pp
John Bosco Conama, Unconsciously or Consciously, the Principle of Zero-Sum Game Dominates Irish Deaf Education, Review of Language, Power, and Resistance, by Elizabeth S. Mathews , Sign Language Studies , 19, (2), 2018, p295-297. doi:10.1353/sls.2018.
Heath Rose, John Bosco Conama, Linguistic imperialism: still a valid construct in the oppression of Irish Sign Language users, Language Policy, 2017
Language Attitudes: Equality Issues in, editor(s)Genie Gertz - Gallaudet University Patrick Boudreault - Gallaudet University , The SAGE Deaf Studies Encyclopedia, Sage, 2016, [John Bosco Conama]
Sign Language: UK and Ireland in, editor(s)Genie Gertz, Patrick Boudreault , The SAGE Deaf Studies Encyclopedia, Sage, 2016, [John Bosco Conama]
Article 33: how to maximise the benefits arising from this Article: some personal observations and suggestions. in, EUD UNCRPD Implementation Series UNCRPD IMPLEMENTATION IN EUROPE - A DEAF PERSPECTIVE, Brussels, European Union of the Deaf, 2015, [John Bosco Conama]
Lorraine Leeson, John Bosco Conama and Haaris Sheikh, Why Language Attitudes Matter: An evidence based approach, IRAAL 30th Anniversary Conference, Trinity College Dublin, 21 November 2015, 2015
Who decides? Language education policies for Deaf children - Selected findings from a comparative analysis of Finnish and Irish policies on signed languages. in, editor(s)Lorraine Leeson and Myriam Vermeerbergen , Lorraine Leeson and Myriam Vermeerbergen (eds), Working with the Deaf Community: Education, Mental Health and Interpreting , Dublin, Interesource Group (Ireland) Limited, 2015, [Dr. John Bosco Conama\]
John Bosco Conama, Language policies and the campaign for Irish Sign Language recognition in the Republic of Ireland. , Recognition of Signed Languages in the UK and Ireland, Queen's University Belfast, 26/27 September, 2013, Translation and Interpreting Department
John Bosco Conama, Situating the socio-economic position of Irish Deaf Community in the equality framework, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal, 32, (2), 2013, p173 - 194
John Bosco Conama, Language policies and the campaign for Irish Sign Language recognition in the Republic of Ireland. (edited from Belfast conference), 7th ISL 'themed' National Disability Strategy Implementation Group (NDSIG) meeting , Deaf Village Ireland, Cabra, Dublin 7, 28 November, 2013, Department of Justice, Law Reform and Eqaulity
Avril Mullane, John Bosco Conama and Robert Fourine, Human Rights and the Deaf Community in Ireland, Journal of Clinical Speech and Language Studies: the official journal of the Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists, 18, 2012, p77 - 94
Haaris Sheikh, Lorraine Leeson, John Bosco Conama, A Guide to Working with the Deaf Community in Education, Mental Health and Interpreting in Ireland , Dublin, IGI PUBLISHING, 2012, 32pp
John Bosco Conama, HIDDEN HISTORIES: Deaf Lives Ireland, Dublin, Interesource Group, 2012
John Bosco Conama, A Timely Reminder for Closer Collaboration, Review of Deaf around the world: The impact of language., by Mathur, G. and Napoli, D. J. (Eds.). , Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education, 17, (1), 2012, p140
Mullane, A., Conama, J. B., & Fourie, R. J., 'Human rights and the Deaf community in Ireland: A critical discussion of Irish legislation'., Journal of Clinical Speech and Language Studie, 18, 2011
John Bosco Conama, Finnish and Irish Sign Languages: an egalitarian analysis of language policies and their effects, UCD, 2010
Lorraine Leeson, Brian Nolan and John Bosco Conama, TOWARDS BLENDED LEARNING FOR DEAF STUDIES AT THIRD LEVEL IN IRELAND,, EDULEARN 2009, Barcelona, Spain,, 6-9 July 2009, 2009 , 2009
Conama J. B., Potential of the Centre for Deaf Studies (CDS): its role in enhancing social justice for the Deaf community: a personal observation, Deaf Worlds, 21, (2), 2005
Deaf communities in Ireland and Finland: a comparative analysis in, editor(s)Patrick McDonnell , Deaf Studies in Ireland: An Introduction, Colewell, UK, Douglas McLean, 2004, [Conama J. B.]
Conama, John Bosco, Poverty in the deaf community, Poverty Today, (57), 2002, p13-
John Bosco Conama, "Tourists in their own land" - A Social Policy Analysis of the Irish Deaf Community's Participation in Society., TCD, 2001
Non-Peer-Reviewed Publications
John Bosco Conama, Unlocking potential: The right to work for deaf individuals, BREAKING BARRIERS TO EMPLOYMENT FOR DEAF PEOPLE Conference, IHREC Offices, Green Street, 10th April 2024, 2024
John Bosco Conama, Unemployment and underemployment among deaf individuals: Differing Perspective, FUTURE LEARNING AND WORK - Signed and Spoken Universal design and career planning with the Deaf community, Mansion House, Dublin 2, 18th April 2024, 2024
John Bosco Conama, No Sign of It: The Aftermath of the Irish Sign Language Act 2017, The Fact of Deafness: Perception, Representation, Visibility., Queens University, 21-22 March 2024, 2024
Irish Deaf Research Network, 2024, The Long Room Hub
John Bosco Conama, Changing the narrative, Changing the narrative, Sweden, 27th February, 2022, Saved By The Sign
John Bosco Conama, Sense of Community - Irish Deaf Community , Peaks and Valleys to Explore, Utah State University, USA, 4th April, 2022
John Bosco Conama , Official recognition of the Irish Sign Language and the Irish Sign Language Act, Europena Union of the Deaf's Sign Language awareness Week, Zoom, 20 September 2022, 2022
John Bosco Conama, Economic opportunities for Deaf people and employment benefits in the context of ISL Act, Zoom, 20 September 2022, 2022, Citizen Information Board
John Bosco Conama, Irish Sign Language and Sense of Community, Gallaudet University, Washington DC USA, 12 October 2022, 2022, Department of Deaf Studies
John Bosco Conama , Language Activism and the campaign for recognition of Irish Sign Language as 3rd Ireland"s official language, BAQONDE Summer School 2022, TCD, 2nd August 2022, 2022
John Bosco Conama, Overview of ISL Act, Deaf Legal Theory and Sign Language Law workshop, University of Birmingham, 10 November, 2022
John Bosco Conama, COIL workshop in Norway in November to discuss the future of Deaf Studies and interpreting the training in Europe., Oslo, Norway, 2-4 November , 2022, OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University
John Bosco Conama, "I did it...Didn't I? - Reflections on my doctoral graduation after more than a decade.", Breaking Boundaries: A Disabled Postgraduates PhD Journey, Trinity College Dublin, 15th March, 2022, forum for Disabled Staff and Postdoc students
John Bosco Conama , The Bumpy Journey Towards the Irish Sign Language Act: Critical Considerations and Personal Reflections of a Deaf Activist-Scholar, CDS Autumn Webinars , Zoom , 18th November , 2021, Centref or Deaf Stufies
John Bosco Conama, "Deaf" Alumni and Staff of Trinity College Dublin: with a special focus on James David Bourchier (1850-1920), National Heritage Week 2021 Deaf Heritage Conference , Zoom webinar , 14th August , 2021, Deaf Heritage Centre, Dublin
Sir William Wilde and his book on deaf people in, Deaf Heritage Centre, 2021, [John Bosco Conama]
John Bosco Conama, A panel discussion on Zoom with the Heriot-Watt University masters course on interpreting (EUMASLI) , EUMASLI course , Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh, 4th February, 2021
John Bosco Conama, Findings on ISL / "Fitting in" Issues Sense of Community Index Deaf Community in Ireland, 21st January 2021, In:Findings on ISL / "Fitting in" Issues Sense of Community Index Deaf Community in Ireland, 2021, Zoom webinar, John Bosco Conama
Conor Fulham, Sense of Community - Literature Review , TCD, 2021
John Bosco Conama and Carmel Grehan, Micro-ethics with a focus on microaggressions , Microethics , Dublin, 13 and 20 October, 2021, Sign Language Interpreting Services
Aoife Price, Attitudes of Deaf Staff towards hearing staff in Deaf organisations , TCD, 2021
John Bosco Conama, Guidelines for Public Bodies under the Irish Sign Language Act 2017, Guidelines for Public Bodies under the Irish Sign Language Act 2017, UCC, 29 January, 2021, UCC
John Bosco Conama, The Irish Sign Language Act and other relevant issues, International Day of Sign Languages , Zoom Webinar - University of Limerick , 23rd September, 2021, University of Limerick
John Bosco Conama, Sense of Community Index - the Irish Deaf Community - Third Community Dialogue , 25th February 2021, In:Sense of Community Index - the Irish Deaf Community, 2021, Zoom webinar , John Bosco Conama
John Bosco Conama, Human Rights in Times of Crisis by Dr John Bosco Conama, Irish Sign Language Awareness Week 2021, YouTube, 26th September , 2021, Irish Deaf Society
John Bosco Conama, Deaf Culture and Arts by Dr John Bosco Conama, Irish Sign Language Awareness Week 2021, 25th September , 2021, Irish Deaf Society
John Bosco Conama, "ISL teaching as a viable profession? Future and practical implications" , 24th June 2021, In:"ISL teaching as a viable profession? Future and practical implications" , 2021, Zoom webinar , John Bosco Conama
Kianna Higgins, How to improve online retailing for the Deaf community, TCD, 2021
John Bosco Conama, 'Message to the Irish at home and abroad at Easter 2020', Áras an Uachtárain - President of Ireland, 2020, -
John Bosco Conama, Initial Findings on the 'Sense of Community' survey, 13th October, 2020 , 2020, Zoom webinar, John Bosco Conama
Claudine Murphy , Literacy Case Study: Limerick School for the Deaf, TCD, 2020
John Bosco Conama, 'Message for Local, Regional and Community Radio Stations and Newspapers', Áras an Uachtárain - President of Ireland, 2020, -
tina Murphy , Deaf People working as SNA's for hearing teachers in education settings., TCD, 2020
Aoife Harrington, Supports provided to deaf and HOH students in third level education, Trinity College Dublin, 2020
John Bosco Conama, Irish Sign Language Act 2017, Implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD), South Dublin Council Chamber, County Hall, Tallaght,, 4th April, 2019, 2019, South Dublin County Council
National Learning Network, 'The Rehab Group Safeguarding Vulnerable Persons at Risk of Abuse Policy (IRE)', 2019, -
SUPERVISED, Leah Murray, An Overview of the Irish Sign Language Recognition Campaign 2013-17, Trinity College Dublin, 2019
John Bosco Conama, Rights of Children to be Raised in their Families (including respect for culture) Respect for Family Life: Perspectives of Parents and Children, 11TH International Disability Law Summer School, National University of Ireland, Galway, 19th June, 2019, Centre for Disability and Law, NUIG
John Bosco Conama, Finding our political voice! A campaign for the ISL Recognition , "Signing Parliament" Workshop 1 , Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh SCOTLAND , 31/5/2019, 2019
SUPERVISED, Caomihe Cobrun-Gray, comparison of the positioning of ISL and ASL, nationally and internationally, based in linguistic prestige and imperialism, Trinity College Dublin, 2019
John Bosco Conama, Finding our political voice! The background behind the Irish Sign Language Act 2017, "The Sound of Silence", Trinity Week 2019, Trinity College Dublin, 30th April, 2019, Trinity College Hub
Trinity College Dean of Research, 'A LIVING RESEARCH EXCELLENCE STRATEGY', In Irish Sign Language, Dublin , 2019, -
John Bosco Conama, Rights Holders Perspectives on De-institutionalisaton and Implementing A19, De-institutionalisation and the implementation of the CRPD Article 19: Independent Living and being included in the community, Green Street, IHREC office, Dublin 1, 4th July, 2019, Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission
Dr John Bosco Conama, Possible and probable implications of UNCRPD on the research process , Disability Research Network Seminar, University of Dublin, Trinity College, 3rd December 2019, 2019, Disability Research Network TCD
John Bosco Conama, "Some of us are looking at the stars" Employment Issues and Deaf ISL users, 2019
SUPERVISED, Elizabeth Quinn, Cochlear Implants and Deaf Identity , Trinity College Dublin, 2019
John Bosco Conama, My Role as a Deaf Activist-Scholar in the ISL Recognition Campaign, TCD School of Education seminar, Disability: Political Representation and Activism. , UCD Student Centre, Belfield, Dublin 4., 18th May, 2018, Vivian Rath, School of Education TCD
John Bosco Conama, Irish Sign Language Act 2017 A brief explanation and what to expect afterwards for ISL Teachers, Council of Irish Sign Language Teachers, Room 111, Centre for Deaf Studies, TCD, 18th August , 2018, Council of Irish Sign Language Teachers
SUPERVISED: , Durkin, Amy, Language Development in Deaf mainstreamed children, Trinity College Dublin, 2018
John Bosco Conama, 35 Years and Counting! An Ethnographic Analysis of Sign Language Ideologies within the Irish Sign Language Recognition Campaign, Irish Deaf Research Conference, Long Room Hub, TCD, 9th November, 2018
SUPERVISED: , MURPHY, Catherine, Deaf Peoples' employment in the medical industry in Ireland, Trinity College Dublin, 2018
SUPERVISED, LOFTUS, Natasha, Does mind colonisation correlate to the use of Irish Sign Language with the Deaf Community and the larger society., Trinity College Dublin, 2018
John Bosco Conama, The Bumpy Journey towards the Irish Sign Language Act, University College Cork, 9th March, 2018, The ISS21 Disability and Mental Health research cluster
John Bosco Conama, A brief introduction to the ISL Act 2017, Copenhagen Deaf Club, Copenhagen, Denmark, 28th February, 2018, Danish Deaf Association
John Bosco Conama, Equality in the Academia: What Deaf Academics Can Do About It? , Deaf empowerment for Deaf academics, University College London, Room 305, Bedford Way, London, 29th June, 2018, UCL Deafness Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL) University College London
John Bosco Conama, Irish Sign Language Act 2017: A brief explanation and what to expect afterwards, Community Dialogue, Deaf Village Ireland, Rathoath Road, Dublin 7, 17th February, 2018
Dr. Audrey CAMERON Heriot-Watt University, Scotland Prof. Dr. Christian RATHMANN Professor of Deaf Studies, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin Dr. John Bosco CONAMA Co-Director/Assistant Professor, Centre for Deaf Studies, TCD, Experiences of Deaf people at work: Preliminary ndings from research in the UK Germany and Ireland., Employment of sign language users in Europe, , 12th January, 2018,
John Bosco Conama, Irish Sign Language Act 2017: A brief introduction and its challenges, Challenging Times, Ballinasloe Library, 11th June, 2018, Western Region of Library Association of Ireland
Robyn Cunneen, SUPERVISED: A Two-Tiered Investigation into the Ideologies about the Recognition of Irish Sign Language: The d/Deaf Community of the Mid-West Region of Ireland and Senator Mark Daly", Trinity College Dublin, 2017
John Bosco Conama, Haaris Sheikh, Lorraine Leeson, 'Irish Sign Language Guide for Kilkenny Castle,', Centre for Deaf Studies TCD, IGI MEDIA., 2017, -
John Bosco Conama, Universities & Higher Learning and the Irish Deaf Community A heritage overview , ational Heritage Week 2017, Deaf heritage Centre, Deaf Village Ireland , 2017, Deaf Heritage Centre
John Bosco Conama, Haaris Sheikh, Lorraine Leeson, The DESIGNS Project: Deaf Employment in Europe, 8th Community Interpreting Conference, TCD ARTS BUILDING , 8 June 2017, 2017
John Bosco Conama, The Irish Sign Language Recognition Campaign, Dublin Language Garden , Trinity Long Room Hub, 22nd September , 2017, Dublin Language Garden
John Bosco Conama, Language and Human Rights in Ireland, Gallaudet University, Washington DC, USA, 1st March, 2016, This event is sponsored by the ASL & Deaf Studies Department.
John Bosco Conama, Sign Language Politics , The future of Lithuanian Sign Language, University of Vilinus, Lithuania , 26th November , 2016, Lithuanian Deaf Association University of Applied Sciences (VIKO)
John Bosco Conama, Linguistic Imperialism and Irish Sign Language , Gallaudet University, Washington DC, 2016
John Bosco Conama, Language Policies and the Campaign for Irish Sign Language Recognition in the Republic of Ireland, Deaf Ethnographies and Politics - 7th Deaf Academics and Researchers , University of Leuven, Belgium, 7th February 2015, 2015
John Bosco Conama, Citizenship and Equality in the EU, nvisible in Europe: Exploring the meaning of reasonable accommodation form Deaf and Sign Language's perspective Conference, European Parliament, Brussels, 11th November, 2015, EPP Group, European Union of the Deaf
Dr. John Bosco Conama, Who decides? Language education policies for Deaf children - Selected findings from a comparative analysis of Finnish and Irish policies on signed languages. , DCAL Lunchtime Seminar, University College of London, London, UK, May 31, 2012, Deafness Cognition and Language (DCAL) Research Centre,
John Bosco Conama, 'Hidden Histories: Deaf Lives Ireland', Dublin , Interesource Ltd, 2012, -
Haaris Sheirk and Lorraine Leeson], A Guide to Working with the Deaf Community: In Education, Interpreting and Mental Health. , Dublin, Ireland, Interesource Publishing, 2012
Conama, Dr. John Bosco, Equality of condition and Deafhood, National Technical Institute for the Deaf, Rochester Institute of Technology, April 19, 2011
Conama, Dr. John Bosco, Can an Equality of Condition for Signed Languages Advance Equality for Deaf Communities?, Gallaudet University, Washington DC, USA, April 26, 2011
Dr. John Bosco Conama, Deafhood and Equality - Access to information and media, Deafhood Congress' in celebration of 30th anniversary of IDS' establishment, Chartered Accountancy Institute, Pearse Street, Dublin 2., November 5, 2011, Irish Deaf Society
Conama, Dr. John Bosco , From participation to emancipation: Equality of condition as a solution for signed language communities? , European Science Foundation - Exploratory Workshop , University of Bologna at Forli, Italy, April 3, 2011, European Science Foundation - Exploratory Workshop
Conama, Dr. John Bosco, Affective equality and Deaf education , National Technical Institute for the Deaf, Rochester Institute of Technology New York, Rochester Institute of Technology New York, April 21, 2011
Conama, Dr. John Bosco , From participation to emancipation: Equality of condition as a solution for signed language communities? , European Science Foundation - Exploratory Workshop "Visual Communication in Contemporary European Societies. Shaping Identities, Citizenship, Communities, Inclusion Strategies", University of Bologna at Forli, Italy, April 3, 2011, European Science Foundation - Exploratory Workshop
Dr. John Bosco Conama, Gibt es Armut innerhalb der Gehörlosen-Gemeinschaft ? Is there Poverty in the Irish Deaf Community? , Integration / Inklusion: Chancen und Risken, Montreux, Switzerland , September 23, , 2011
Conama, Dr. John Bosco , Linguistic Rights: Equality of Condition for Deaf Sign Language Communities, Sign Language Rights: European and International Perspectives, Al, Norway, February 23-25, 2011, 2011
Dr. John Bosco Conama, What is social inclusion and social exclusion? , IUK (Ireland and United Kingdom) Camp for the Deaf Children (13-17 years olds), Killary Harbour, Co.Galway, August 8, 2011, Irish Deaf Youth Association
Dr. John Bosco Conama, Can an Equality of Condition for Signed Languages Advance Equality for Deaf Communities? , Global Deaf Renaissance, 15th Congress of World Federation of the Deaf, Durban, South Africa, July 20, 2011, 2011
Dr. John Bosco Conama, Access to information / services for Irish Sign Language users, "Improving your services for Deaf People" Seminar, , Chartered Accountancy Institute, Pearse Street, Dublin 2., October 27, 2011, Irish Deaf Society
Conama, Dr. John Bosco , Can an equality of condition for signed languages advance equality for Deaf communities?, Engaging Theory & Action, Deaf Studies Today , Utah Valley University Orem, Utah, USA, April 10, 2010
Conama, Dr. John Bosco , SUMMARY OF FINNISH AND IRISH SIGN LANGUAGES: AN EGALITARIAN ANALYSIS OF LANGUAGE POLICIES AND THEIR EFFECTS., National Disability Authority Lunchtime Seminar, Clyde Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, May 20, 2010, 2010
Conama, Dr. John Bosco , SUMMARY OF FINNISH AND IRISH SIGN LANGUAGES: AN EGALITARIAN ANALYSIS OF LANGUAGE POLICIES AND THEIR EFFECTS., CDS Public Lecture Series, 2010-2011, Maxwell Hall, TCD, November 18, 2010, 2010
Conama, Dr. John Bosco , To understand the equality framework is crucial for Deaf Studies to adapt in order to advance equality for Deaf communities., Deaf Studies: Strengthening our Heritage, University of Berlin, Germany, September 1-3, 2010
Conama, Dr. John Bosco , A Partnership Approach to the delivery Of Education of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children: A policy document, Deaf Education Partnership Conference , Croke Park, Dublin, March 4, 2010, Catholic Institute for Deaf People, Irish Deaf Soceity, DeafHear.ie and Centre for Deaf Studies
Conama, John Bosco , Signed languages; What we should do with them in the policy context? , LPLL 2009: Language policy and language planning: new paradigms and new challenges, University of Limerick, 18-20 / 6 / 2009, 2009
Conama, John Bosco: Centre for Deaf Studies, TCD, Evaluation of the Signing Information Mid-West Project, Limerick, PAUL Partnership, Limerick, June, 2008
Conama, John Bosco, IRELAND AND FINLAND: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF TWO DEAF COMMUNITIES , Irish-Finnish Deaf Youth Exchange, Dublin, February , 2007, Irish Deaf Youth Association
Conama, John Bosco, Reflections on the interviewing process: Brief analysis of relationships with interviewees in both countries: Ireland and Finland., Lunchtime seminar, Centre for Deaf Studies, University of Bristol, February 16th, 2007, 2007
Conama, John Bosco, Locating the societal position of the Irish Deaf community in the equality framework, Deaf Academics 2006, Stockholm University, August 2006, 2006
Conama, John Bosco, Our campaign for Irish Sign Language (ISL), King's Hospital, Lucan, August , 2006, European Deaf Youth Association / Irish Deaf Youth Association
Conama, John Bosco, Code of Ethics, ISL Academy Workshop, Dublin, September, 2006, ISL Academy
Conama, John Bosco, Audism, Deaforward Citizenship Project, Dublin, November, 2005, Deaforward, Irish Deaf Society
Conama, John Bosco, What is citizenship? , Citizenship Workshop for Deaf People, Dublin, November, 2005, Deaforward, Irish Deaf Society
Conama, John Bosco , Diverse Needs of the Deaf Community. , Forum, Journal of the Irish College of General Practitioners, 21, (10), 2004
Conama, John Bosco, Talk on Irish Deaf Society, 1st IUK Deaf Youth Camp Ireland 2004, Dublin City University , August 10th, 2004, Irish Deaf Youth Association
Conama, John Bosco, Presentation on quality issues for Deaf people , Health Issues for Disabled People, Tullamore, Co.Offaly, Friday, January 31st, 2003, National Disability Authority's
Conama J. B., Equality and Deaf Communities, 14th Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf, 2003
Conama J. B., Is There Poverty in the Deaf Community? Report on the interviews of randomly selected members of the Deaf Community in Dublin to determine the extent of poverty within the Community, 2002
Conama J. B., Poverty in the deaf community, Poverty Today, (57), 2002, p13 - 13
Conama J. B., Comparative Case Study - Deaf communities in Ireland and Finland, Irish Association of Teachers in Special Education's conference, June 9, 2001
Conama J. B., McDonnell P., Irish Sign Language, Higher Education Equality Unit, Newsletter, 2001
Research Expertise
Description
Deaf Cultural Studies, Equality Studies, Media Studies, Social Policy, Deaf Education. All relating to the Deaf communities in Ireland and beyond My overarching research objective is to deepen and extend my work on language planning, social policy, and cultural studies, with a particular focus on the impact of government policies and planning tools on the status of Irish Sign Language (ISL). This research aligns closely with Trinity's Research Plan and the School's research objectives. My initial studies focused on assessing the effectiveness and societal impact of the Irish Sign Language Act. Building on this foundation, I have begun exploring Deaf cultural and equality studies, with the goal of securing funding to address a clear research gap: the perspectives of Deaf individuals in these areas. My research employs community-based and ethnographic methods, ensuring a strong connection between the research and the Deaf community. This includes focus groups, interviews, anonymous online surveys, and community observations. Additionally, I have initiated research on specific issues within the Irish Deaf community, such as community cohesion, resilience as a resource, and the institution of homogamy marriage. These topics are of particular interest due to their potential to provide new insights into how the Deaf/ISL community sustains and evolves over time. This research is innovative and original, as there has been little to no previous work in these areas. I aim to shed light on the complexities and sustainability of the Deaf/ISL community. The impact of my research has already yielded positive results. I have secured both external and internal research grants and established collaborative relationships with other scholars. My work has been published in several peer-reviewed journals, and I have ensured that research findings are accessible to the community by summarising them in ISL. These accomplishments demonstrate my readiness to contribute at a higher academic level, both independently and collaboratively.Projects
- Title
- Sense of the Community - Deaf Community
- Summary
- While accepting the widespread perceived feeling of disconnectedness, the central hypothesis is to determine the level of how strong the sense of community the respondents feel. The level will be divided into geographical locations, gender, age groups, educational attainments and social classes. Despite the pessimistic feeling, the wording: "deaf community" is frequently used in many contexts, often in the public domain, especially when it comes to publicising the information gaps in the public service information. The recent coronavirus crisis is a recent example as the government had responded to calls for interpreters' constant presence at public briefings. The word "community" has positive connotations, and the fact that the word has brought in many positive changes for deaf people. Depending on the response, it may have potential further research.
- Funding Agency
- Trinity College Dublin
- Date From
- June 2020
- Date To
- December 2023
- Title
- RESIDE: Resilience Inspires Deaf Communities
- Summary
- Overview There is a strong perception among members of the Irish deaf community that the language community is in decline. The bases traditionally ensured the continuation of Irish Sign Language (ISL) are dwindling. For instance, enrolments in residential schools for the deaf have been decreasing steadily, and the numbers involved in community social, sports and cultural activities have been falling. Technological advances, consolidation of educational policies for deaf children in mainstream education, individualisation, and increased social mobility have also impacted how the community operates. There is tentative evidence that the well-being and self-identity of deaf people are put under considerable pressure due to the failure to replace older models with better informed and sustainable models. Why research Community Resilience? According to research (Patel 2019 et al.), individual resilience can be supported by knowledge, networks, relationships, communication, health, governance and leadership. Such skills or values like that are essential for deaf people to navigate the wider world (Listmann and Kruz 2020). As we know from research (Sense of Community research project and other research works), older community models ("brick-and-mortar" model; deaf clubs, residential schools etc.) are unsustainable in the long term, especially in this age of information / technological advances. New models that can sustain the community in the long term need to be found and developed to ensure its members can be resilient to navigate this world. Such new models can inform key policymakers and direct future service providers. These new models can replace older models as a basis for reinforcing the status of ISL in future. The ISL Act's first clause recognises the community's right to preserve the ISL. Aims " To investigate the role of the deaf community as a source of resilience for many deaf people who use Irish Sign Language (ISL) to adapt to and navigate Irish society. " Examine the possible development of sustainable models to ensure the continuity of resilience " Based on emerging findings, to examine how public policies can be articulated and supported to develop the vitality of the Irish deaf community as a source of resilience.
- Funding Agency
- REACH Deaf Services
- Date From
- January 2023
- Date To
- December 2023
- Title
- "Let's, let's stay together": ethnographical research into intimate relationships within the deaf community in Ireland
- Summary
- This proposal aims to better understand the assortative relationships within the deaf community, especially those using Irish Sign Language (ISL). This area is quite under-researched. An insight can be gained from the historical research of such relationships and their comparative correlation to today"s situation. Another insight can be gained from the question of whether assortative relationships can be a mainstay of sustaining Irish Sign Language (ISL) and providing positive mental well-being to those in assortative and non-assortative relationships.
- Funding Agency
- AHSSBF
- Title
- Research Project on the experience of Deaf Migrants in Ireland.
- Summary
- The aim of this research is to look at deaf migrants living in Ireland. People move abroad for many different reasons and sometimes, in particular at the beginning, can be quite challenging. The first big challenge is learning the language of the host country. It can be difficult and take a while for a hearing person, can you imagine for a deaf or hard of hearing person? Foreign deaf people moving abroad have to go through two linguistic barriers: the spoken language and the sign language of the deaf community of the new country. This is a marginalised minority group within a marginalised group. Simultaneously, learn and understand the new culture, system such as medical system, social welfare, regulations about renting, taxation, employment, education and many other aspects. This research will look at the aspects of life of deaf people living in Ireland and the reasons for moving to Ireland (i.e. Employment, education, conflict zones etc.). With this research we will focus on foreign deaf people living in Ireland, look at the support available to them and the availability of interpreting services when requested.
- Funding Agency
- REACH Deaf Services
- Title
- Visiting Professorship Fund
- Summary
- Professor Erin Moriarty-Hasselson at Gallaudet University is a well-known expert on deaf migration. I believe her visit would provide an excellent opportunity for us to engage in research collaboration at the European level on deaf migrants. We currently have an Irish deaf candidate in Sweden completing her thesis on deaf migrants in Europe, and there is ongoing research in other countries.
- Funding Agency
- AHSS TCD
- Date From
- 1st October 2024
- Date To
- 31st October 2024
- Title
- ISL TEaching Project
- Summary
- The agreement has agreed with the Irish Deaf Society that the following tangible deliverables are. " 1. Target Deliverables: i) Research feasible pathway options for the course ii) Clarify and interlink each option if possible - iii) Cost and time of each option iv) Check the pros and cons of each option Outcome: Decision on options and develop it further in Spring 2023. If IDS and SOLAS are happy with the progress in April, the job may continue for a few more months, and we target September 2023 as the starting date for the new once-off course.
- Funding Agency
- Irish Deaf Society
- Title
- DESIGNS: Deaf Employment for Sign Language Users in the EU
- Summary
- The DESIGNS project aims to bring together 7 partners from 4 EU countries who are renowned experts in the fields of Education and Training, Employment, Sign Language Interpreting and Deaf Community Advocacy. The overall aim of the project is to create VET and CPD training resources and exchange best practices across Europe to facilitate greater participation of Deaf sign language users in employment.
- Funding Agency
- European Commission
- Date From
- 2016
- Date To
- 2019
- Title
- Hidden Histories (Irish coordinator)
- Summary
- The University of Sussex leads this, with partners in Ireland (Centre for Deaf Studies, TCD), Austria and Finland. The project focuses on the creation of digital archives of community experiences in rural, nomadic, and Deaf communities. A key objective of this project is to increase the participation in lifelong learning of marginalised and disadvantaged groups and, as a result of this participation to increase their engagement with civic society and learning. It fosters learning opportunities based on participation in local community activities, developing alternative and innovative ways of learning, and sharing good practice on intercultural education, learning by marginalized citizens and their linguistic, social and cultural inclusion.
- Funding Agency
- This project is funded by the EU (Grundtvig programme).
- Date From
- November 2010
- Date To
- October 2012
- Title
- Poverty in the Irish Deaf Community
- Summary
- The research aimed to determine the level of poverty within the Deaf community. The concept of poverty was determined by the National Anti-Poverty Strategy which makes a distinction between absolute and relative poverty. A report was published. The co-author was Carmel Grehan.
- Funding Agency
- Combat Poverty Agency
- Date From
- 2000
- Date To
- 2002
- Title
- Signing In / Signing Out
- Summary
- As a co-ordinator of this project, this research was a follow-up to the former research on poverty. The professional researcher was employed in this regard and we cosnulted on several occasions. The report was launched by the Minister of Labour, Mr. Killen in April 2006
- Funding Agency
- Combat Poverty Agency and the Department of Socail & Family Affairs
- Date From
- 2004
- Date To
- 2006
- Title
- SIF II Deaf Studies in Ireland Programme
- Summary
- Working in partnership with the Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown, CDS has developed and introduced a Bachelor in Deaf Studies with significant digital content. Original aims to roll out the programme in collaboration with the Tipperary Institute, the Limerick Institute of Technology and NUI Cork have had to be put on hold due to funding cuts. Despite this setback, the core aims of increasing accessibility for Deaf, hard of hearing and mature students; maximising the application of new technologies to the delivery of signed language and Deaf Studies courses; analysing the success of these ventures; and increasing collaboration across higher educational institutions with respect to the field of Deaf Studies remain. Work as the project manager
- Funding Agency
- Higher Education Authority
- Date From
- September 2008
- Date To
- 2011
- Title
- SIGNALL II
- Summary
- CDS is work with Interesource (Ire.) to develop a digital multi-media course on Deaf Culture and Deaf history for employers across the European Union. The project Promoter is Interesource Group (Ireland) Ltd. Project partners are from Finland, Czech Republic, Poland and the UK. www.signallproject.com. Work as a team member.
- Funding Agency
- European Commission
- Date From
- November 2007
- Date To
- October 2009
- Title
- Colloborative Online Interactive Learning workshop
- Summary
- Dr Conama and Teresa Lynch attended a COIL workshop at OsloMet University on 2-4 November in Oslo to develop inter-university online courses on Deaf Studies.
- Date From
- 2 November
- Date To
- 4 November
- Title
- Masters in Deaf Studies a feasibility study
- Summary
- Dr Conama attended a week-long in Denmark as a part of a feasibility study to develop a European-level master"s level in Deaf Studies in April 2023.
- Funding Agency
- European Commission Erasmus plus
Recognition
Representations
Chair the Cross-Community Group under the aegis of Irish Deaf Society to monitor the implementation of the Irish Sign Language Act 2017
Member of Disability Advisory Committee under the aegis of Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission https://www.tcd.ie/news_events/articles/new-disability-advisory-committee-appoints-four-trinity-alumni-staff/
A collaborative project over the next 12 months between UCC, Cork Deaf Association and Kerry Deaf Resource Centre, which will focus on designing a Deaf Awareness auditing template for use by public bodies. Hopefully this project can support the work underway around the country towards supporting effective implementation of the ISL Act 2017. This project is supported by Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission's Grant Scheme 2018
Invited to attend the working group meeting on the Implementation of the Irish Sign Language Act 2017 within the Houses of the Oireachtas Service.
World Federation of the Deaf's Expert Group on Sign Language and Deaf Studies 2016-2019
The working group we are putting together to address the relocation of St Josephs House for vulnerable Deaf adults
An external consultant to Working Group on Sign Language for the Public Council of the Commission on Interaction between Citizens and the Parliament of the Republic of Bulgaria.
Co-chair the Irish Sign Language Recognition Campaign which culminated in the enactment of Irish Sign Language Act 2017 and it was signed into law by President Higgins on 24th December 2017.
Committee member on Irish Sign Language Academy - a representative body of ISL teachers and researchers under the aegis of Irish Deaf Society. Responsibility in the ISL recognition.
Board member of the Sign Language Interpreting Service (SLIS). SLIS is the interpreting agency that is supported with funds by the statutory agency: Citizens Information Board (CIB)
Acting Chairperson of the Model School for the Deaf Project
Member of the Partnership Group on Deaf Education (CIDP-IDS-DeafHear-Schools for the Deaf-CDS)
Member of advisory group to Association of Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) with a responsibility of organising a conference and a written response to the issue of Deaf applicants for primary teaching training
Invited to participate in the roundtable discussion on Irish Sign Language recognition hosted by the National Disability Authority
Minute Checker for the World Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf
Member of the Working Group on the Register of Irish Sign Language Interpreters under Sign Language Interpreting Service.
Member of the Steering group under Citizen Information Bureau being set up to oversee and advise on projects relating to the Register for Interpreters and an App and platform for remote interpreting.
Sits on the advisory committee under the aegis of the National Disability Authority to prepare a review report on ISL Act (2017)for the Minister for Disabilities
Awards and Honours
European Language Label - Language Ambassador
Media Award by Hidden Hearing - Media Award - Award for a campaigner / journalist / celebrity who has highlighted topics related to those who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
Doctoral scholarship from National Disability Authority
Dr Ciaran Barry Scholarship for Masters research
Supporter of the Year by Kerry Deaf Rsources Centre
Masters in Arts (jure offici)
Nominated for Teaching Excellence Award twice
Memberships
Member of ISL Academy
Irish Deaf Society Member, Board director, secretary, chairperson
World Federation of the Deaf
Member of the first Think Tank on Deaf Studies at the University of Utrecht. A number of universities in Europe and North America are involved.