Advocacy

Choice, Independence and Community: Antoinette Tierney and Geraldine Rooney on BCIL’s Mission

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

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From Information to Action: Nicole Lonican on Disability Participation

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

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Finding Her Voice: Emma Ward on Disability, Advocacy, Representation and Making Change

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

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Living with Cerebral Palsy and Speaking Up for Change: Margaret Griffin on Advocacy and Accessibility

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

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Rebuilding Lives After Brain Injury: Catherine Lacey on Recovery, Support and Independence

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

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Why Disability Rights Matter: Conor Clifford Shares His Story

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

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Seeing Beyond Sight: John Comiskey Speaks with Alannah Moriarty

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

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What does Independent living Really Mean? — A Conversation with Deirdre Lennon and Eoghan from Cheshire Ireland

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

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“But You Look Just Fine” — Michele Roys about The Hidden Reality of Living with Chronic Pain

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

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Living with ADHD: Understanding the Challenges and Celebrating the Strengths

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

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