September 2025

Two people wearing headphones are on a video call. The left person has glasses and a patterned top. The right person is in a hoodie, in front of a "Phoenix FM" banner.

Behaviours That Challenge: Trinity Study Sheds Light on Children with Intellectual Disabilities

On Disability Matters this week, host John Comiskey spoke with Carmel Doyle, who is involved in a Trinity College Dublin study on children and young adults with intellectual disabilities, and who present with behaviours that challenge. Why this research is needed Doyle explained how her own professional background shaped her involvement: “I’m an intellectual disability […]

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Green background graphic with white text and logo. At the top it reads: “Save the Date #MakeWayDay 25 on Friday 26 September 2025.” In the center is the Make Way Day logo: a raised hand with a wheelchair user icon inside the palm, next to the words “Make Way Day.com.” Below, text reads: “Make way on our streets for people with disabilities!” At the bottom: “www.makewayday.com #MakeWayDay25.”

Make Way Day 2025: Clearing the Path for Inclusion

On a recent episode of Disability Matters on 92.5 Phoenix FM, host Patrick O’Donnell welcomed Piers Richardson, Diversity and Education Officer with the Disability Federation of Ireland, to talk about Make Way Day 2025. This nationwide campaign, now in its eighth year, shines a spotlight on everyday obstacles that people with disabilities face — from

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Alt text: Image featuring a man in a white coat and text discussing vaping and lung health. Includes logos for World Lung Day and Irish Thoracic Society.

Breathing Beyond the Hype: Professor Marcus Kennedy on Vaping, Lung Health, and Protecting the Next Generation

“Anyone who thinks vaping is harmless needs to look a little closer.” That’s how Professor Marcus Kennedy — Consultant Respiratory Physician at Cork University Hospital and President of the Irish Thoracic Society — begins his conversation with host Patrick O’Donnell on Disability Matters. Professor Kennedy joined the show to mark World Lung Day and to

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Radio show poster for "Supporting Every Step: Living with Motor Neurone Disease" on 92.5 Phoenix FM. Features a man in a studio and a woman, Naomi Fitzgibbon, with text: "Don't suffer in silence." Irish Motor Neurone Disease logo included.

Supporting Every Step: Understanding Motor Neurone Disease with the IMNDA

On a recent episode of Disability Matters, host John Comiskey spoke with Naomi Fitzgibbon, Director of Nursing Services at the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA). The conversation offered a compassionate look at the realities of living with motor neurone disease (MND), the challenges of diagnosis, and the vital support available to patients and families

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A woman smiling brightly with glasses appears in a framed portrait on the left, labeled "Fionnula MacLiam," while a man with headphones looks contemplative on the right beside a "Phoenix FM" banner.

The Doubting Disease: Shedding Light on OCD and Its Hidden Struggles

“OCD is a disorder that causes intrusive, disturbing thoughts… thoughts that go completely against a person’s values. That’s what makes them so distressing,” — Fionnula McLiam, OCD Ireland On a recent episode of Disability Matters on 92.5 Phoenix FM, host John Comiskey spoke with Fionnula McLiam, clinical advisor with OCD Ireland, about obsessive compulsive disorder

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Sarah Keogh, dietitian with the Coeliac Society of Ireland - Smiling woman with long, wavy brown hair, wearing a white sweater. Her hand gently touches her chin. The background is plain white, conveying a bright and relaxed tone.

Going Gluten-Free: Sarah Keogh on Living with Coeliac Disease

On a recent episode of Disability Matters, host John Comiskey spoke with Sarah Keogh, dietitian with the Coeliac Society of Ireland. Their conversation shed light on the realities of living with coeliac disease, the challenges of diagnosis, and the vital support available for people across the country. What Is Coeliac Disease? “Coeliac disease is an

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Eating disorders thrive in secrecy: A Conversation with BodyWhys Ireland

On a recent episode of Disability Matters, host John Comiskey spoke with Ellen Jennings, Communications Officer at BodyWhys – The Eating Disorders Association of Ireland. The conversation shed light on the complex realities of eating disorders, their impact on individuals and families, and the crucial supports BodyWhys has been providing since 1995. Founded originally as

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Culture Night Turns 20: We Act Campaign Shines a Light on Community and Inclusion

On a recent episode of Disability Matters, host Patrick O’Donnell welcomed Claire McGowan, Campaign Manager for We Act, to talk about Culture Night 2025 and how the initiative is helping to showcase Ireland’s charities, community groups, and cultural life. What Is Culture Night? This year marks the 20th anniversary of Culture Night, a nationwide celebration

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A woman in a black dress, adorned with a floral accessory and necklace, smiles while performing on stage. A double bass is seen in the background.

Precarity Squared: Emily Conway on the DADA Campaign for Disabled Artists

On a recent episode of Disability Matters, host John Comiskey spoke with Emily Conway, singer, artist, and founder of the DADA Campaign (Disabled Artists, Disabled Academics). Their conversation revealed the realities of building a career in the arts while living with disability, the systemic inequities disabled artists face, and the growing movement to demand recognition,

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