On Disability Matters, John Comiskey spoke with Shelly Gaynor, peer mentor with Independent Living Movement Ireland, about the philosophy of independent living, the importance of personal assistance, and why disabled people must have the same choices, rights and opportunities as everyone else.
Shelly has been involved in disability advocacy for most of her life. Living with cerebral palsy, she first began exploring the concept of independent living when she received her first personal assistant at the age of 18 — an experience that transformed how she understood autonomy and participation.
Today, she supports others on their own journeys toward independence as a peer mentor with ILMI, offering guidance, connection and lived experience.
A Life of Advocacy
Shelly’s involvement in the disability movement stretches back decades. After pursuing studies in business and becoming active in community initiatives, she gradually became more deeply involved in advocacy work.
Before taking up her current role as a peer mentor, Shelly also served as Chair of ILMI, helping to shape national conversations around disability rights and independent living.
Her work today focuses on supporting disabled people to better understand their rights, access personal assistance supports and build the confidence needed to live independently.
“Just because someone uses a wheelchair or a cane,” Shelly explains, “doesn’t mean their wants and needs are different from anyone else’s. With the right support, we can do anything.”
What Independent Living Really Means
The independent living philosophy is built on a simple but powerful idea: disabled people should have control over their own lives.
For Shelly, personal assistance is central to that vision. She emphasises that personal assistants (PAs) are very different from traditional care roles.
A PA is there to support a person to live their life — not to make decisions on their behalf.
“It’s about choice,” Shelly says. “Disabled people should have the same freedom as anyone else to decide how they live, where they go and what they want to do.”
Peer mentoring plays a vital role in this process. By connecting with someone who has already navigated similar challenges, people can gain insight, confidence and practical advice that simply cannot come from textbooks or policies.
Disability in a Changing Ireland
Shelly also reflects on how attitudes toward disability in Ireland have evolved over the past decades.
When she was growing up, inclusive education was far less common. Children with disabilities were often separated from their peers or had limited access to local schools.
Today, while many challenges remain, progress is visible — particularly in the presence of Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) and increased awareness of disability rights.
“Now you see children with disabilities going to school with their siblings and friends,” she says. “That’s the way it should always have been.”
At the same time, Ireland’s ageing population means that disability is becoming a reality for more people.
“Many people think disability is something that happens to others,” Shelly notes. “But the reality is that anyone can become disabled through illness, accident or age.”
The Cost of Disability
A major issue facing disabled people across Ireland is the financial cost of living with a disability.
From higher energy bills to transport costs and specialist equipment, everyday life can involve significant additional expenses.
Shelly believes discussions around a proposed Cost of Disability Payment must recognise that people’s needs vary widely.
“Two people may both have disabilities but very different needs,” she explains. “Support should reflect those differences.”
What matters most, she says, is ensuring that disabled people can live with dignity — not simply survive.
“A lot of disabled people have moved out of institutions and into their own homes, which is fantastic. But independence must also mean having the resources to actually live.”
Women Driving Change
The conversation also touched on International Women’s Day, and the role women play in the disability movement.
Shelly notes that while many early disability organisations were male-dominated, more women are now stepping into leadership roles — bringing new energy and perspectives to advocacy work.
“Women are fighters,” she says with a smile. “When we believe in something, we don’t let go.”
Connecting Through Community
At the heart of Shelly’s work is connection.
Through peer mentoring, she helps people explore their goals, share experiences and find practical ways to move toward independent living.
In a world where many conversations now happen online, Shelly believes that face-to-face connection remains invaluable.
“You can’t replace being in the same room with people who understand your experience,” she says. And for many individuals beginning their journey toward independence, that connection can be the first step toward a more confident and empowered life.
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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