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.
An interview with Dawn on Disability Matters, hosted by John Comiskey On this week’s episode of Disability Matters, host John Comiskey speaks with Dawn — a woman whose courage, honesty, and resilience offer hope to anyone facing mental health challenges. Dawn shares her story under a first name only, not for anonymity, but to protect […]
Shane Rothwell speaks to Disability Matters about the lack of accessible hoists in Irish hotels On this week’s Disability Matters, host John Comiskey spoke with long-time BCIL friend Shane Rothwell, who highlighted a barrier thousands of disabled people in Ireland know too well: the near-total absence of hotel rooms with ceiling hoists. Shane needs a
“A Ceiling Hoist Shouldn’t Be a Luxury”: Shane Calls for Equal Access in Irish Hotels Read More »
In this week’s episode of Disability Matters, host John Comiskey speaks with Kate Gray from Move4Parkinson’s, a unique Irish charity founded by people living with Parkinson’s disease to support others through movement, music, and community. Kate’s connection to the organisation began 14 years ago when her father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. “At first, I thought
Finding Hope Through Music: Kate Gray on Living Well with Parkinson’s Read More »
On Disability Matters with John Comiskey, Sorcha Nallen, Outreach and Designated Safeguarding Officer at the Anne Sullivan Centre, spoke about the Centre’s work supporting people who are deafblind — and the vital role of awareness, communication, and technology in fostering independence. The Anne Sullivan Centre was founded in the 1990s by families and friends who
Supporting Ireland’s Deafblind Community: In Conversation with the Anne Sullivan Centre Read More »
On a recent episode of Disability Matters with Patrick O’Donnell, the focus turned to a deeply personal topic — brain tumours.John was joined by Caroline Kane Montague, patient representative on the board of Brain Tumour Ireland, who spoke about the charity’s work and this year’s National Brain Tumour Awareness Week, which took place in October.
Shining a Light on Brain Tumour Awareness: In Conversation with Caroline Kane Montague Read More »
“My daughter was just 11 when she was bitten. Within a month, she was in a wheelchair. It took 18 months to get a diagnosis — but with treatment, she recovered. That’s why awareness is everything.” — Kathy Forde, Tick Talk Ireland. On a recent episode of Disability Matters on 92.5 Phoenix FM, host John
Understanding Lyme Disease: In Conversation with Tick Talk Ireland Read More »
On a recent episode of Disability Matters on 92.5 Phoenix FM, host John Comiskey spoke with Carmel Doyle, who is part of a Trinity College Dublin research study exploring the lived experiences of children and young adults with intellectual disabilities in Ireland. “We’re trying to understand what inclusion really looks like — not just on
Family carers play a vital, though often unseen, role in supporting loved ones with disabilities, illness, or age-related conditions. Behind the scenes, organisations like Care Alliance Ireland are working tirelessly to ensure these carers are recognised, supported, and heard. Zoe Hughes, Senior Policy and Research Officer with Care Alliance, spoke with Disability Matters about the
Supporting Family Carers: The Work of Care Alliance Ireland Read More »
Aging is something that affects everyone — but for adults with intellectual disabilities, the journey is often very different. This week on Disability Matters, Dr. Eilish Burke from Trinity College Dublin joined host John Comiskey to talk about IDS-TILDA — the Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Aging — a groundbreaking national
Aging and Intellectual Disability: Understanding the Journey with IDS-TILDA Read More »
This week on Disability Matters, we turn the spotlight on an organisation that’s at the heart of Dublin 15 — the Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL). Founded in 1994, BCIL is celebrating over three decades of helping people with disabilities live independently in their own homes and participate fully in their communities. What began
31 Years of Independent Living in Dublin 15: The Story of BCIL Read More »
