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.
In a recent episode of Disability Matters, John Comiskey spoke with Rob Thompson-Hunter, a new member of staff at Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL), about his experience of living with a rare neurological condition, the challenges of receiving a diagnosis, and the importance of finding a way forward when life changes unexpectedly. Rob’s story
On Disability Matters, John Comiskey speaks with UpLiving co-founder Ellen Zha about innovation, dignity and the award-winning Glide 2-in-1 Rollator and Wheelchair. Mobility aids are designed to help people remain independent. But what happens when the equipment itself becomes a barrier — because it is heavy, difficult to use, awkward to store or simply doesn’t
Mobility Without Compromise: Ellen Zha on UpLiving and the Glide 2-in-1 Read More »
Disability Matters explores acquired brain injury, recovery, hidden disabilities and the support available through Headway Ireland. For many people, a brain injury is something that is difficult to see from the outside. A person may look physically well while experiencing significant changes to their memory, communication, concentration, emotions, ability to plan and organise, or sensitivity
Finding a New Normal: Ruth Lunnon and Allan McAllorum on Life After Brain Injury Read More »
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
