Advocacy

Strength Beyond Bones: Coreen Kelday Discusses Life with Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Interviews Disability Matters /

Living with a rare condition can often mean facing challenges that many people have never heard of. In a fascinating interview on Disability Matters, John Comiskey spoke with Coreen Kelday, Support Development Officer at the Brittle Bone Society, about Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), commonly known as Brittle Bone Disease. OI is a rare genetic condition that […]

Strength Beyond Bones: Coreen Kelday Discusses Life with Osteogenesis Imperfecta Read More »

Finding Your Tribe: How Rehab Group Helps People Build Confidence and Connections

Interviews Disability Matters /

For more than 75 years, Rehab Group has been supporting people across Ireland to live independently, access education, build skills, find employment, and participate fully in their communities. In a fascinating interview on Disability Matters, John Comiskey spoke with Ciara Heffernan, Senior Communications Officer at Rehab Group, about the organisation’s remarkable history, the wide range

Finding Your Tribe: How Rehab Group Helps People Build Confidence and Connections Read More »

Supporting Ireland’s Most Vulnerable Children and Families — Marion Lynch from the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation

Interviews Disability Matters /

Families caring for children with severe learning disabilities and complex medical needs face challenges that many people never see — long hospital appointments, sleepless nights, emotional strain, financial pressure, and the constant responsibility of providing around-the-clock care. In a compassionate and heartfelt interview on Disability Matters, John Comiskey speaks with Marion Lynch from the Jack

Supporting Ireland’s Most Vulnerable Children and Families — Marion Lynch from the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation Read More »

Community at the Heart of Democracy: Donall Geoghegan on The Wheel and the Power of the Voluntary Sector

Interviews Disability Matters /

In this episode of Disability Matters, John Comiskey speaks with Donall Geoghegan, Director of Policy and Advocacy at The Wheel, about the vital role charities, community organisations, and social enterprises play in Irish society. Dónall recently joined The Wheel as Director of Policy and Advocacy, bringing with him decades of experience across government, community development,

Community at the Heart of Democracy: Donall Geoghegan on The Wheel and the Power of the Voluntary Sector Read More »

From Compassion to Action: A Conversation with Funmilayo Akingbade

Interviews Disability Matters /

On this week’s Disability Matters, John Comiskey speaks with Funmilayo Akingbade—chef, caregiver, charity founder, and board member of Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living. Wearing many hats, Funmilayo—known as Fumi—brings a unique and deeply personal perspective to her work. By profession, she is a chef working in a nursing home in Fingal, as well as taking

From Compassion to Action: A Conversation with Funmilayo Akingbade Read More »

Building Communities, Not Just Houses: A Conversation with Cllr. Angela Donnelly

Interviews Disability Matters /

On this week’s Disability Matters, John Comiskey sits down with Cllr. Angela Donnelly, Councillor for the Ongar Local Electoral Area on Fingal County Council and board member of Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL). From housing and infrastructure to accessibility and community development, the conversation offers a thoughtful and honest insight into the realities of

Building Communities, Not Just Houses: A Conversation with Cllr. Angela Donnelly Read More »

Supporting Carers Back to Work: Building Inclusive Workplaces for the Future —Caring Workplace Initiative

Interviews Disability Matters /

Returning to work after time spent caring for a loved one can feel like stepping into the unknown. Confidence may be low, routines have changed, and the workplace itself has evolved. But behind every carer is a wealth of experience, resilience, and skill—qualities that are increasingly vital in today’s workforce. In a recent discussion on

Supporting Carers Back to Work: Building Inclusive Workplaces for the Future —Caring Workplace Initiative Read More »

Speaking Up for a Good Life — Vanessa Martin and Shelley on Rights, Community and Self-Advocacy

Interviews Disability Matters /

“People with disabilities should be supported to live the life of their choosing — with dignity, respect and inclusion.” On Disability Matters, John Comiskey spoke with Vanessa Martin, Human Rights and Participation Practice Developer with WALK, and Shelley, a participant in the organisation’s programmes and a passionate self-advocate. Their conversation explored how people with intellectual

Speaking Up for a Good Life — Vanessa Martin and Shelley on Rights, Community and Self-Advocacy Read More »

Independent Living, Equality and the Power of Peer Support — Shelly Gaynor, ILMI

Interviews Disability Matters /

On Disability Matters, John Comiskey spoke with Shelly Gaynor, peer mentor with Independent Living Movement Ireland, about the philosophy of independent living, the importance of personal assistance, and why disabled people must have the same choices, rights and opportunities as everyone else. Shelly has been involved in disability advocacy for most of her life. Living

Independent Living, Equality and the Power of Peer Support — Shelly Gaynor, ILMI Read More »

Illustration of a human silhouette with nervous system in orange, showing brain, spine, and nerves. Surrounding are various cells; the tone is educational.

Christina Donnelly of Chronic Pain Ireland on Support, Self-Management and Breaking the Stigma

Interviews Disability Matters /

On Disability Matters, John Comiskey spoke with Christina Donnelly, National Coordinator at Chronic Pain Ireland, about a condition that affects thousands across the country — yet is still widely misunderstood. Chronic pain is not simply “a bad back” or “a lingering injury.” It is a complex, life-altering condition that can impact every aspect of a

Christina Donnelly of Chronic Pain Ireland on Support, Self-Management and Breaking the Stigma Read More »