On a recent episode of Disability Matters on 92.5 Phoenix FM, host John Comiskey spoke with Carmel Doyle, who is part of a Trinity College Dublin research study exploring the lived experiences of children and young adults with intellectual disabilities in Ireland.
“We’re trying to understand what inclusion really looks like — not just on paper, but in real life,” Carmel explains.
Listening to lived experience
The study, led by the Centre for Disability and Inclusive Research at Trinity College Dublin, aims to highlight how young people with intellectual disabilities navigate education, healthcare, and social life — and how systems can better support them.
“What makes this research special,” Carmel says, “is that it’s led by the voices of young people and their families. We’re not just studying them — we’re learning from them. Every story we hear helps us understand what works and what doesn’t in creating an inclusive Ireland.”
The power of belonging
One of the strongest themes to emerge from the study is the importance of belonging.
“When a child feels included — whether it’s being part of a local club, attending school events, or just having friends who understand — that sense of connection builds confidence and independence,” Carmel explains.
“But inclusion doesn’t just happen. It takes awareness, planning, and genuine support from schools, communities, and policymakers.”
Bridging the gap into adulthood
As young people with intellectual disabilities transition into adulthood, many families report feeling lost in the system.
“There’s often this huge gap once school ends,” Carmel says. “Parents describe it as ‘falling off a cliff.’ Suddenly, the supports they relied on disappear, and they have to navigate adult services, employment options, or independent living — often with little guidance.”
Through their research, Carmel and her colleagues hope to make that transition smoother by providing evidence-based recommendations to policymakers and service providers. “We want to ensure that supports don’t end at 18,” she adds. “Inclusion is a lifelong process.”
Building a more inclusive Ireland
The study also looks at how communities can create more accessible and welcoming environments for people with intellectual disabilities.
“Accessibility isn’t just about ramps and lifts,” Carmel says. “It’s about attitudes — making sure people feel respected, heard, and valued for who they are.”
That’s why the Trinity research team is working closely with advocacy groups and disability organisations to ensure their findings lead to real, lasting change. “Our goal is to make sure the voices of people with intellectual disabilities directly shape the policies that affect their lives,” Carmel says. “Nothing about us without us.”
Why it matters
At its heart, this project is about equality and empowerment.
“When we understand people’s lived experiences, we can design systems that work better — not just for some, but for everyone,” Carmel concludes. “Inclusion benefits the whole community.”
You can learn more about Trinity College Dublin’s Centre for Disability and Inclusive Research and its projects at www.tcd.ie.
🎧 Disability Matters airs every Thursday from 4–5PM on 92.5 Phoenix FM, with repeats on Monday 3AM and Tuesday 3AM & 7AM.
Produced in collaboration with the Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL), the programme shares real stories, expert insight, and lived experiences from across Ireland’s disability community.