Disability Matters is a weekly radio programme from Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living, airing every Thursday on Phoenix 92.5FM. In our interviews, Patrick O’Donnell and John Comiskey speak with activists, experts, and people with lived experience on a wide range of disability-related topics — from healthcare and education to employment, access, and inclusion. These conversations amplify real voices, share practical insights, and highlight the issues that matter to the disability community in Ireland today.
This week on Disability Matters, 12 June 2025, Patrick O’Donnell spoke with John Mitchell, a dedicated volunteer with Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, about the organisation’s life-changing work and the powerful bond between people and their guide dogs. Founded in 1976, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind supports individuals with visual impairments and children […]
In this Disability Matters episode, John Comiskey welcomed two special guests from Walk Ireland: Vanessa Martin, Human Rights and Participation Practice Developer (HRPPD), and Brendan Heade, actor and long-time participant in Walk’s inclusive community programmes. Founded in 1967, Walk Ireland is an organisation committed to empowering people with intellectual disabilities to live self-determined lives in
Empowering Lives Through Inclusion: Walk Ireland on Advocacy, Employment and the Arts Read More »
In this Disability Matters episode, Patrick O’Donnell and John Comiskey speak with Eamonn McPartlin, founder and Chairperson of FND Ireland. They discuss functional neurological disorder — an often misunderstood and underdiagnosed neurological condition. Eamonn, who lives with the motor form of FND himself, explained that the disorder affects how the brain and body send and
FND Ireland: Eamonn McPartlin on Advocacy, Diagnosis, and Support Read More »
Disability Matters – Thursday, 5 June 2025 on Phoenix 92.5FM On this week’s edition of Disability Matters on Phoenix 92.5FM, presenters Patrick O’Donnell and John Comiskey spoke with Galway-based actor, broadcaster, gaeilgeoir Mary Tynan. Diagnosed with ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) in 2004, Mary shared her story of creative resilience, how disability shaped her career, and her
A Voice Through the Door: How Mary Tynan Transformed Disability into Creative Resilience Read More »
Over 45,000 people in Ireland have epilepsy meaning it is one of the most common neurological conditions in the country, while over 50 million people live with epilepsy worldwide. In this Disability Matters episode, John Comiskey speaks with Patrick McGeoghegan, Advocacy and Communications Manager at Epilepsy Ireland about the realities of living with epilepsy, busting
“If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism. No two are the same.” This quote from Dr. Stephen Stone captures the spirit of our recent interview with Stephen Murray, Engagement Officer and Mentor at Aspire Ireland. Speaking on Phoenix FM’s Disability Matters with John Comiskey, Stephen provided invaluable insight into
Understanding Autism: Insights from Aspire Ireland Read More »
“We look after 302 people now. We went from 36 people to 302 since 2019.” The Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL) has come a long way since its modest beginnings. Originally established in 1994 by people with disabilities for people with disabilities, the goal has always been clear: empower individuals to live independently in
Antoinette Tierney about the Evolution of BCIL: From 36 to 302 Lives Changed Read More »
On Thursday, 22 May, Sharon Lane from Dyspraxia DCD Ireland joined John Comiskey on the Disability Matters radio programme on Phoenix 92.5FM to talk about what dyspraxia (also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder or DCD) really is, how it affects both children and adults, and what services are available for those living with the condition.
Support Services for Dyspraxia: What You Need to Know Read More »
“They can do anything anyone else can do — it might just take them a little bit longer.” In this insightful episode of Disability Matters, hosts John Comiskey and Patrick O’Donnell welcome Dearbhail Mullan, Treasurer of Williams Syndrome Ireland, to discuss the realities, resilience, and joys of living with Williams Syndrome — a rare neurodevelopmental
“The best voice you can hear is of the lived experience.” Geraldine Rooney, Development Officer at Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL) in an interview with John Comiskey on “Disability Matters” explained a new initiative — the Self-Advocacy Toolkit developed in partnership with the Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI). Rooted in two decades of peer-led
Self-Advocacy Toolkit: Empowering Voices with Geraldine Rooney Read More »
