Inclusion

Colorful illustration for the Five Lamps Arts Festival 2026 in Dublin, featuring abstract landscapes, figures, and a prominent five-lamp post.

Bringing the Arts to Everyone: Inside the Five Lamps Festival with Roisin Lonergan

Interviews Disability Matters /

On Disability Matters, John Comiskey speaks with Roisin Lonergan, Artistic Director and founder of the Five Lamps Festival—one of Dublin’s most vibrant and community-driven arts festivals. Founded in 2007, the festival was born from a simple but powerful idea: to make the arts accessible to everyone. “I realised that many people in the area weren’t […]

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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

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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

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Community, Confidence and New Possibilities — Voices from the Central Remedial Clinic

Interviews Disability Matters /

“Being with people is the most important thing for me.” On Disability Matters, John Comiskey welcomed three inspiring guests — Grace McCann, Simone McWeeney and Daniel Quinn — who shared their experiences of life, learning and friendship through the Central Remedial Clinic (CRC). Their stories offer a powerful reminder of how community, inclusion and opportunity

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Multiple Sclerosis Explained — Symptoms, Support and Hope for the Future

Interviews Disability Matters /

“Don’t try to predict the future — take it one day at a time and focus on living well.” On Disability Matters, John Comiskey speaks with Sorcha Barlow, MS Support and Education Nurse with MS Ireland, about living with multiple sclerosis (MS), the realities behind the condition and the importance of support, education and community.

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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

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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

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Two people are on a video call. The person on the left, wearing glasses and a bright pink top, smiles warmly. The person on the right wears headphones and a blue sweater, with a backdrop featuring a banner reading "One Community, Many Voices!" The scene suggests a positive, friendly interaction.

Living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease — Victoria Spillane on Resilience, Advocacy and Hope

Interviews Disability Matters /

“You may look fine on the outside — but inside you could be fighting a battle every day.” On Disability Matters, John Comiskey speaks with Victoria Spillane, Interim CEO of Crohn’s and Colitis Ireland, about living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the challenges faced by thousands of people across Ireland, and the vital support offered

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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

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Johnny Sheehan, Member Engagement Manager with The Wheel - a man with short hair smiles warmly, wearing a dark zip sweater over a collared shirt. The black-and-white image has a neutral background.

Community at the Heart of Change — Inside The Wheel with Johnny Sheehan

Interviews Disability Matters /

Johnny Sheehan of The Wheel on Advocacy, Funding and Collective Voice On Disability Matters, John Comiskey spoke with Johnny Sheehan, Member Engagement Manager with The Wheel — the national organisation representing community and voluntary groups, charities and social enterprises across Ireland. With more than 2,600 member organisations in every county, The Wheel serves as both

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