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.
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 »
Arthritis is often misunderstood as simply “aches and pains” that affect older people. In reality, it is one of Ireland’s biggest causes of disability, affecting more than one million people and impacting every aspect of daily life. In this informative edition of Disability Matters, John Comiskey speaks with Tara Regan, Communications and Advocacy Manager at
Taking Control of Arthritis: Tara Regan Shares Practical Advice for Better Living Read More »
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
For thousands of families across Ireland, one question never goes away: “What will happen to my son or daughter when I’m no longer here?” In a moving episode of Disability Matters, John Comiskey speaks with Tony Murray, co-founder of the Before We Die Campaign, a family-led movement calling for urgent government action to provide safe,
Before We Die: Why Thousands of Irish Families Are Calling for Urgent Action Read More »
For many people, using a public toilet is something they rarely think about. But for thousands of people living with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, painful bladder syndrome and other invisible conditions, every journey begins with one question: “Where is the nearest toilet?” In this powerful episode of Disability Matters, John Comiskey speaks with Victoria Spillane,
“Where is the nearest toilet?”: Why Toilet Access Is a Human Right Read More »
Breathing is something most of us rarely think about—until it becomes difficult. On Disability Matters, John Comiskey speaks with Ruth Morrow from the Asthma Society of Ireland about one of the country’s most common chronic health conditions and why education, awareness and proper management can make a life-changing difference. Asthma affects hundreds of thousands of
One ordinary working day in 2018 changed Michele Roys life forever. A successful international executive who had worked across four continents, a mother of two and someone who thrived on achievement, Michele suddenly experienced excruciating facial pain that doctors initially feared was a stroke. Instead, she would begin a long and difficult journey through chronic
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often misunderstood. Many people still associate it with children who cannot sit still in the classroom, but as Ken Kilbride, CEO of ADHD Ireland, explained on Disability Matters, the reality is far more complex. In a fascinating conversation with John Comiskey, Ken discusses what ADHD really is, why it
Living with ADHD: Understanding the Challenges and Celebrating the Strengths Read More »
