On Disability Matters, Kirsten Ampeloquio spoke with Jessi Abbey Information Officer at Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL), about her journey into the organisation, her lived experience of disability, and the importance of community, visibility and peer support.
Jessi joined BCIL in November, stepping into a role focused on information, funding and community connection — but her relationship with BCIL goes far deeper than a job title.
Discovering BCIL from the Inside
Although Jessie had lived in the local community all her life, BCIL was not an organisation she knew much about before applying for the role. That quickly changed.
“What really stood out to me was the community spirit,” she said. “The services — home support, transport, being properly embedded in the community.”
As Information Officer, Jessi’s role includes supporting funding applications and grants — a crucial task for a small organisation delivering frontline services with limited resources.
“There’s not much money in disability services,” she explained. “So trying to secure funding and grants is a big part of why I’m here.”
A Career Change Shaped by Life
Jessi’s path to BCIL followed a major life change. After working in childcare for eight years, she went on maternity leave to have her daughter, who is now four and a half. Not long after, Jessi became a wheelchair user.
“I couldn’t go back to childcare,” she said. “So I went back to college and studied business.”
That decision opened a new door — one that led her to BCIL.
“When I interviewed here, I just loved the community feel. It felt like a place where I could really help people.”
Learning Disability Through Lived Experience
Jessie was diagnosed with ataxia in March 2020, a condition affecting balance and coordination. Over time, her mobility changed, and she began using a wheelchair.
“That experience completely opened my eyes,” she said. “I realised how much you don’t see until disability hits your own doorstep.”
She spoke candidly about assumptions people make — that wheelchair use means loss of independence, or that parenting becomes impossible.
“That’s just not true,” Jessi said. “I bring my daughter to school, to the playground — I do what other mums do. I just do it sitting down.”
She also highlighted everyday accessibility barriers — doors that don’t close, ramps that don’t exist, entrances that push wheelchair users to side or back doors.
“You nearly feel like you’re putting people out,” she said. “And you shouldn’t feel that way. You’re no different.”
Positivity Without Pity
Jessi was clear that she doesn’t want sympathy — only understanding and equality.
“I’m very lucky,” she said. “My cognitive ability hasn’t been affected. I can still do what I want to do.”
Her outlook is grounded in realism and resilience.
“You can’t stay in bed and be depressed,” she said. “You have to get up and get on with it. It’s a different life — but it’s still your life.”
Family plays a huge role in that resilience.
“My little girl keeps me going. My niece and nephew — it’s very family-oriented. That’s what keeps me moving forward.”
The Power of Peer Support
Jessie also spoke about the importance of peer support, particularly for people with rare conditions. She credited Ataxia Foundation Ireland with providing vital connection, information and community after her diagnosis.
“When you have a rare condition, it can feel very isolating,” she said. “Peer support makes such a difference.”
That belief in connection is what Jessi now brings to her work at BCIL.
Events That Bring People Together
BCIL’s upcoming events reflect that same focus on inclusion and visibility. Jessie highlighted International Women’s Day, which BCIL will mark with a coffee morning, gentle yoga and social gathering in early March — a space for women in the community to connect in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
The organisation is also preparing for the St Patrick’s Day Parade, taking disability pride and visibility directly into the heart of the community.
“These events are about inclusion,” Jessie said. “About being seen, being part of things, and feeling welcome.”
A Message to Others
Jessi closed the conversation with a simple but powerful message for disabled people who may be struggling:
“Just because today was a hard day doesn’t mean tomorrow will be.”
This interview aired on Disability Matters on 92.5 Phoenix FM, a programme produced by Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL).
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Read also: Peer Support, Power and Belonging — Geraldine Rooney, BCIL
By Valentyna Hordiichuk