“Disabled people are experts in their own lives — inclusion only works when we lead it,” – Dr. James Casey.
On Disability Matters, host Patrick O’Donnell welcomed Dr. James Casey, Disability Inclusive Climate Justice Lead with CBM Ireland, for a wide-ranging and thought-provoking conversation about disability rights, global inequality and why climate justice cannot exist without social justice.
CBM, formerly known as the Christian Blind Mission, is a global organisation with over 120 years of experience supporting disability inclusion worldwide. While the name reflects its origins, CBM today works across all disabilities, guided by human rights, equality and lived experience. CBM Ireland has been active for over 20 years, operating as part of a federated global network with country teams across Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America.
A Dual Approach: Health and Rights
Dr. Casey explained that CBM’s work follows a twin-track approach. On one hand, the organisation delivers inclusive health programmes such as eye health screening and mental health supports. On the other, it works in close partnership with Disabled Persons’ Organisations (DPOs), supporting grassroots advocacy and ensuring disabled people shape the policies that affect their lives.
Importantly, CBM does not impose solutions. Instead, it supports local leadership and local knowledge, recognising disabled people as experts in their own lives and communities.
Rethinking Disability in the Global South
Challenging common assumptions, Dr. Casey highlighted that in many countries in the Global South, disabled people are more actively involved in policymaking than in Ireland. While resources may be limited, political will and understanding of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) are often stronger.
“The issues are the same everywhere,” he noted, “but the context is different.” From inaccessible transport to the impacts of floods, droughts and conflict, disabled people are disproportionately affected — yet too often excluded from decision-making.
Climate Justice Must Be Inclusive
A major focus of the interview was disability-inclusive climate justice, the core of Dr. Casey’s current work. Through CBM’s Funding Fair Futures project, grassroots DPOs in countries including Kenya, Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, Nepal, Bangladesh and Laos are supported to engage with climate policy at a local level.
Climate change, Dr. Casey explained, is not just an environmental issue — it is a human rights issue. Disabled people, particularly disabled women, are among those least responsible for climate change but most affected by its consequences.
Inclusive solutions — such as accessible public transport, safer housing and community-based planning — benefit everyone, not just disabled people. But these solutions only work when communities are consulted, respected and included.
Beyond Awareness: Disability Equality
Throughout the conversation, Dr. Casey emphasised the difference between disability awareness and disability equality. Inclusion cannot be achieved without disabled people leading the process, not merely being consulted as an afterthought.
“Disabled people must drive inclusion,” he said. “Nothing changes unless we change it — collectively.”
The interview closed with a powerful reminder: real change happens on the ground, through collective action, lived experience and solidarity across borders.
How to Get in Touch
🌐 Website: https://www.cbm.ie/
This interview aired on Disability Matters with Patrick O’Donnell on 92.5 Phoenix FM, a programme produced by Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL).
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