MID WEST SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF
School Details
About
Mid West School for the Deaf is a specialist day‑school based in Limerick that provides tailored education for Deaf and Hard of Hearing children from early‑intervention ages through to post‑primary level. The school delivers a bilingual curriculum that incorporates Irish Sign Language alongside spoken/written English, ensuring pupils develop strong communication skills in both modalities. Learning is organised into dedicated early‑intervention, primary and post‑primary programmes, each designed to meet the specific developmental and academic needs of Deaf learners while promoting inclusion and independence. The campus is situated within the grounds of Our Lady’s of Lourdes School at Rosbrien, occupying a purpose‑built facility opened in 1998. The modern building houses specialised classrooms equipped with visual fire alarms, hearing‑assistive technology, and resources for visual learning. Dedicated spaces support art, woodwork and collaborative projects, fostering creative expression and practical skills. A strong emphasis on community partnership and fundraising underpins the school’s ability to maintain high‑quality resources and extracurricular activities, such as charitable cycles and art exhibitions, enhancing the overall educational experience for its students.
History
The school was established when parents, recognising that the only existing option for Deaf and Hard of Hearing children was residential schooling in Dublin, created a day‑school in Limerick without initial departmental sanction. Funding for the first year was raised by the Parents Association through fundraising. In 1980 the school received formal sanction from the Department of Education. After a prolonged campaign for suitable premises, a new purpose‑built school was opened in 1998 by President Mary McAleese on the grounds of Our Lady’s of Lourdes School, Rosbrien. Subsequent development added post‑primary programmes and a pre‑school, expanding the provision to early‑intervention, primary and post‑primary Deaf education.