Free accessible Digital Skills training for deaf and hearing loss communities launched across NI

A new free Digital Skills training programme aimed at people who are deaf or have hearing loss is being rolled out across Northern Ireland, with accessible sessions taking place in local libraries throughout February and March.

The initiative, delivered by AdaptNI and supported by the Department of Finance, is designed to tackle digital exclusion by providing deaf-aware, visual and practical training tailored to the everyday needs of people who often face barriers when accessing online services.

The programme consists of three structured sessions, offering a total of six hours of hands-on training. Participants are supported to build confidence using digital technology in daily life, from communicating online to accessing essential public services.

Sessions are fully accessible and focus on practical skills, including how to use smartphones, tablets or laptops, set up accessibility features such as captions, visual alerts and text size, and communicate using email and messaging apps. The training also covers safe internet use, recognising online scams and navigating online public services.

AdaptNI says the programme responds to the growing reliance on digital and phone-based systems, which can leave many Deaf and hearing loss people feeling excluded.

Laura Murphy-Sloan, Project Lead for AdaptNI, said:

“Digital access is essential for everyday life, yet many Deaf and hearing loss people feel excluded because training is not accessible. This programme focuses on practical, everyday digital skills delivered in a way that works for our community.”

Sessions are being hosted in town libraries and community venues across all council areas, making the training accessible locally and familiar to participants. Attendees are encouraged to bring the device they already use and would like support with, though tablets can also be borrowed during sessions.

In Mid and East Antrim, training will take place at Ballymena Library from 2:00pm to 4:00pm on 5, 12 and 19 February.

Additional sessions in the Antrim area will be held on 24 February, 3 March and 10 March, also from 2.00pm to 4.00pm.

Elsewhere across Northern Ireland, sessions are scheduled in Dungannon, Portadown, Newcastle, Coleraine, Londonderry Central, Bangor Carnegie, Lisburn City, Belfast and Omagh, with dates running from early February through to mid-March.

By bringing accessible digital training directly into local communities, AdaptNI hopes to empower Deaf and hearing loss people to engage more confidently with technology and reduce barriers to essential services in an increasingly digital world.

For further information, contact AdaptNI at info@adaptni.co.uk.

Session Locations and Dates

Mid & East Antrim – Ballymena Library

2.00pm – 4.00pm

5 February | 12 February | 19 February

Antrim

2.00pm – 4.00pm

24 February | 3 March | 10 March

Dungannon

10.00am – 12 noon

3 | 10 | 17 February

Portadown

2.00pm – 4.00pm

3 | 10 | 17 February

Newcastle

10.00am – 12 noon

4 | 17 | 18 February

Coleraine

10.00am – 12 noon

5 | 12 | 19 February

Derry Central

11.00am – 1.00pm

20 | 27 February | 6 March

Bangor Carnegie

10.00am – 12 noon

24 February | 3 | 10 March

Lisburn City

10.00am – 12 noon

25 February | 4 | 11 March

Belfast

1.00pm – 3.00pm

25 February | 4 | 11 March

Omagh

2.00pm – 4.00pm

26 February | 5 | 12 March