Disability Matters is a weekly radio programme from Blanchardstown Center 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.
Antoinette Tierney and Geraldine Rooney reflect on BCIL’s services, advocacy and the importance of supporting people to live independently For more than three decades, Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL) has been working to support people with disabilities to live independently, remain connected to their communities and have greater choice over their own lives. In
People with intellectual disabilities can face significant health challenges as they grow older, but for women, some of those challenges can be particularly complex and often overlooked. On Disability Matters, John Comiskey speaks with Dr. Eilish Burke and Stephanie Corrigan about women’s health, ageing, menopause, sexual and reproductive health, physical activity and the barriers that can
Menopause, Health and Ageing: Supporting Women with Intellectual Disabilities Read More »
Eating disorders can affect people of all ages and backgrounds, yet they are often surrounded by misunderstanding, stigma and silence. On this week’s Disability Matters, John Comiskey speaks with Conor Nolan from Bodywhys, the Eating Disorders Association of Ireland, about eating disorders, the importance of understanding them as serious illnesses, and the support available to
Breaking the Silence: Conor Nolan on Eating Disorders, Recovery and Support Read More »
For disabled people and disability organisations, keeping up with consultations, policy decisions, advocacy campaigns and changes that affect everyday life can be a challenge. Information is often spread across different websites, organisations and government departments — and it is not always easy to find, understand or access. That is the gap the Disability Participation News
From Information to Action: Nicole Lonican on Disability Participation Read More »
What does it mean to grow up as a young disabled person and an Irish Traveller — and then decide to use your voice to challenge the barriers faced by both communities? In a powerful and inspiring interview on Disability Matters, John Comiskey speaks with Emma Ward, a journalist, podcaster, public speaker, disability advocate and
Finding Her Voice: Emma Ward on Disability, Advocacy, Representation and Making Change Read More »
For people with disabilities, having a voice, being listened to and having the opportunity to influence decisions that affect their lives are essential parts of inclusion and independent living. In the latest episode of Disability Matters, John Comiskey speaks with Margaret Griffin, Advocacy and Communications Officer with North Tipperary Disability Support Service (NTDSS), about disability
An acquired brain injury can change a person’s life in an instant. But the impact does not stop with the individual — it can affect families, relationships, work, education, independence and almost every aspect of everyday life. In a powerful and informative conversation on Disability Matters, John Comiskey spoke with Catherine Lacey, Director of Service
Claire and the GAA For many supporters, following Dublin GAA is a hobby. For Claire Rooney, it has been something much deeper. It has been a constant source of community, confidence and belonging—one that has helped shape her into a passionate advocate for autistic people and everyone living with disabilities. Claire has followed Dublin since
Claire Rooney: Finding Her Voice Through the Dubs Read More »
Every person deserves the opportunity to live independently, participate fully in their community, and have their voice heard. Yet for many people with disabilities, barriers to accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunities remain part of everyday life. In this inspiring episode of Disability Matters, John Comiskey speaks with Conor Clifford, a visually impaired disability and youth
Why Disability Rights Matter: Conor Clifford Shares His Story Read More »
What does it mean to grow up with a visual impairment while advocating for change at such a young age? In this inspiring episode of Disability Matters, John Comiskey speaks with Alannah Moriarty, a passionate disability advocate who shares her personal journey of living with vision impairment, navigating education, learning Braille, and working tirelessly to
Seeing Beyond Sight: John Comiskey Speaks with Alannah Moriarty Read More »
