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📢 We are beyond excited to announce a very important development to our HELL & BACK series. For the first time in HELL & BACK history, we will have a Deaf Irish Sign Language Interpreter as part of our event team, marking a significant step forward towards inclusivity and accessibility at our HELL & BACK events.
HELL & BACK is Ireland's toughest physical and mental endurance challenge, specifically designed and created by our award-winning outdoor specialists to push your physical and mental boundaries to the limit. Set in the magnificent Killruddery Estate, our main hellish event of the year is the annual 13KM & 8KM summer fest on Saturday 8th June 2024.
At HELL & BACK, we believe in the power of outdoor sports to bring people together and create unforgettable experiences. However, we recognise that true inclusivity means ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can participate and enjoy our events to the fullest.
HELL & BACK Start line
With this shared commitment to accessibility, we are proud to be working with the Irish Deaf Community. Together, we are dedicated to breaking down barriers and making our events accessible to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.
In Ireland, there are circa 5,000 Deaf sign language users, for whom Irish Sign Language (ISL) is their language of choice. It is estimated that for every one Deaf person, there are nine hearing people who use ISL in their everyday lives. Therefore, it is estimated that there are 45,000 people in the Deaf community, made up of Deaf, Hard of Hearing and hearing families, friends of the Deaf and those working within the community.
What does this partnership entail?
🤝 On-Site Irish Sign Language Interpreters: We will now have trained Irish Sign Language Interpreters as part of our warmup team to ensure effective communication for participants who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing - our Interpreters will be there to facilitate seamless interactions and enjoyment for everyone involved.
👥 Inclusive Event Planning: Our collaboration extends beyond providing Interpreters on event day. Our general event staff will also be provided with introductory videos of Irish Sign Language to be able to communicate with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing participants on the day.
On June 8th – we will have Irish Sign Language Interpreters present at the following start times:
8km Adult: 13.20, 13.35, 13.55 & 14.55
Family 8km: 15:10 & 15.30
Teen 8km: 15.45
Join us in celebrating inclusivity and accessibility! 📩 For general enquiries in relation to this new programme, please email: michael.mcelligott@aliveoutside.ie.