For many people, independent living means making everyday choices that others often take for granted — deciding where to live, how to spend the day, pursuing education or employment, building friendships, and participating fully in community life.
In this week’s edition of Disability Matters, John Comiskey welcomes Deirdre Lennon and Eoghan from Cheshire Ireland to discuss how the organisation is helping people with disabilities live fuller, more independent lives across Ireland.
Throughout the conversation, both guests emphasise that disability services should never be about simply providing care—they should be about empowering people to live the lives they choose.
“Independent living is about choice, dignity and having control over your own life.”
Supporting People to Live Their Own Lives
Cheshire Ireland has been supporting people with disabilities for decades, offering a wide range of community services, supported living, day opportunities and personalised supports.
Rather than fitting people into services, the organisation works alongside each individual to identify their goals, ambitions and aspirations.
Whether someone wants to live independently, access education, gain employment, build confidence or become more involved in their local community, Cheshire Ireland aims to provide the right supports to make those goals achievable.
“Every person has different goals. Our role is to support those goals—not decide them.”
Independence Looks Different for Everyone
During the interview, Eoghan shares his own experiences and speaks about the importance of being treated as an individual rather than being defined by disability.
He explains how the right supports can make an enormous difference—not only practically, but emotionally—allowing people to build confidence, develop independence and participate fully in society.
The discussion highlights how independence does not necessarily mean doing everything alone.
Instead, it means having the right support at the right time to make your own decisions.
“Support should help people become more independent, not more dependent.”
Changing Attitudes
John and his guests also discuss the importance of changing public attitudes towards disability.
Although accessibility has improved significantly in recent years, barriers still exist—not only physical barriers, but misconceptions about what people with disabilities can achieve.
The conversation encourages employers, educators, communities and policymakers to focus on ability rather than limitation.
Everyone benefits when society becomes more inclusive.
A Person-Centred Approach
One of the strongest themes throughout the interview is person-centred support.
Rather than applying one model to everyone, Cheshire Ireland works closely with each individual and their family to develop supports that reflect personal goals and preferences.
This approach recognises that independence means something different for every person.
For some, it may be finding employment.
For others, it may be moving into their own home, learning new skills or becoming more involved in community life.
“People should have the opportunity to live the life they choose.”
Communities Matter
The discussion also explores the importance of belonging.
Living independently isn’t only about accommodation or support services—it’s about being connected to neighbours, friends, hobbies and local communities.
Creating inclusive communities helps reduce isolation and ensures that everyone has opportunities to contribute and participate.
Looking Forward
As Ireland continues to strengthen disability services, the conversation highlights the importance of listening directly to people with lived experience.
Independent living is not simply a policy objective—it is a fundamental human right.
Through personalised supports, advocacy and community engagement, organisations like Cheshire Ireland continue working towards a future where every person has the opportunity to live with dignity, choice and independence. This thoughtful conversation reminds listeners that real inclusion begins by recognising every person’s right to make their own decisions and live life on their own terms.
More: www.cheshire.ie
This interview aired on Disability Matters on 92.5 Phoenix FM, a programme produced by Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL).
Tune in to Disability Matters Thursdays at 4PM | Repeats: Mon 3AM, Tue 3AM & 7AM | Also available on Mixcloud and on bcil.ie/radio.
Compiled by Valentyna Hordiichuk