On Wednesday we finally went to our first site and it was so informative. We went to Fighting Blindness and got to hear what they do and how they help people with vision impairment in the Ireland community. We were able to hear from John who was a counselor for them for many years right before the pandemic. John was legally blind and told us a bunch of stories which helped me get that different perspective on things. This organization also told us about the legal problems they are dealing with Ireland. As well as mentioned the different studies that are being done and how they are working in other countries. This site was so helpful and gave so much information especially now I can compare some things to the U.S.
On Thursday our next two sites were Outhouse and Deaf Village. For Outhouse we got to see a lot of differences in the legal and cultural values for the LGBTQ+ community in Ireland and the U.S. In addition, we saw their gay club that was opened in the 80’s called the Amazing Flickers and it was undercover since it was illegal back then. It was so neat and I am happy we came because it helped me get a perspective on how things are for the LGBTQ+ community in Ireland. The last site we went to for the week was Deaf village. The gave us a tour oftheir village and the upgrades they are about to do. They have a gym/ pool that is offered to people with hearing loss, but also people that do not can still get a membership. A lot of the staff from every department has someone with hearing loss. I learned that in all ofIreland there is only one school for the children with hearing loss and a couple of smaller school options. It is crazy to think there is only one option they can go to. These sites were so informative and so helpful to get a different perspective of things.
For the weekend we went to Guinness Factory, A cricket game which was actually not boring, Howth, Ireland and Kilkenny. I love Ireland and can not get over how beautiful it is here. I love this place!! I cannot believe week 1 is done!!
