“The best voice you can hear is of the lived experience.”
Geraldine Rooney, Development Officer at Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL) in an interview with John Comiskey on “Disability Matters” explained a new initiative — the Self-Advocacy Toolkit developed in partnership with the Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI).
Rooted in two decades of peer-led support work, the toolkit is designed to empower disabled people to speak up for themselves and create meaningful change in their communities. Geraldine shares how self-advocacy begins not with large campaigns, but often with something as simple and human as conversation:
“It usually starts over a cup of tea, like any good conversation. You’re not there to change the world straight away. It comes together slowly — when someone has an issue and realises they’re not the only one with that issue.”
The BCIL peer support group has been active for nearly 20 years, supporting a wide variety of disabled people.
“We’ve had people who come to every meeting. We’ve had people who pop in a few times a year. Some come with one issue and move on once it’s resolved. But they know we’re here.”
Together with DFI, BCIL has distilled their community-led advocacy experience into a toolkit that’s both practical and empowering. Whether it’s about inaccessible footpaths, poorly planned public spaces, or missing facilities like changing places toilets — the toolkit helps groups identify the issue, gather support, and approach the right people in power.
“If it’s a council issue, go to the council. If it’s a shopping centre issue, change the approach. We got a changing places facility installed by showing how it made financial sense — and it worked.”
Geraldine also shares simple, real-world advocacy methods that work:
“We’ve seen cars blocking the path and we’ve approached people and said it to them. About 70% of people are genuinely apologetic: ‘Oh my God, I never even thought’.”
The toolkit offers guidance on how to form a group, run effective meetings, ensure everyone’s voice is heard, and connect with decision-makers. It’s a document created by disabled people, for disabled people, grounded in lived experience.
“It’s not about charity. It’s about rights — the UNCRPD guarantees our right to access and to be heard.”
Although the toolkit is currently available to DFI member organisations, Geraldine encourages all community groups and individuals to reach out:
“Every organisation will help a group that wants to get started. You can contact DFI or your local DPO. This is about community change — from the bottom up.”
Whether you’re an individual looking to take the first step, or a group ready to organise for impact, this conversation is full of encouragement, practical examples, and a powerful reminder:
“The best voice you can hear is of the lived experience.”
🔗 Learn more and download the toolkit via www.dfi.ie (for DFI members), or contact your local disability organisation for support.
🎧 Listen to the full interview now on “Disability Matters” — where we amplify real voices and real stories that drive change.