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 […]
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
Community at the Heart of Change — Inside The Wheel with Johnny Sheehan Read More »
“Independence looks different for everyone — our role is to support each person’s own definition of it.” On Disability Matters, John Comiskey spoke with Ciara Heffernan, Senior Communications Officer with Rehab Group, about the organisation’s 75-year legacy, its nationwide reach, and its mission to empower people with disabilities to live, learn and work with confidence.
Empowerment, Education and Employment — Ciara Heffernan of Rehab Group Read More »
On Disability Matters, Kirsten Ampeloquio spoke with Jessi Abbey Information Officer at Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL), about her journey into the organisation, her lived experience of disability, and the importance of community, visibility and peer support. Jessi joined BCIL in November, stepping into a role focused on information, funding and community connection —
Community, Resilience and Showing Up — Jessi Abbey, BCIL Read More »
On a recent episode of Disability Matters on Phoenix FM, host John Comiskey spoke with Ruth Bannon, Outreach and Community Volunteer Officer with Fingal Volunteer Centre, about the power of volunteering, the wide range of opportunities available, and how volunteers and organisations can be supported to thrive together. What Does Fingal Volunteer Centre Do? Fingal
Connecting Communities Through Volunteering: Ruth Bannon from Fingal Volunteer Centre Read More »
“We mightn’t change the world for everyone — but we can change the world for one person, one voice at a time.” — Geraldine Rooney, BCIL On Disability Matters, host Kirsten Ampeloquio spoke with Geraldine Rooney, Development Officer at Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL), about the quiet but powerful impact of peer support, local
Peer Support, Power and Belonging — Geraldine Rooney, BCIL Read More »
“Disabled people are experts in their own lives — inclusion only works when we lead it,” – Dr. James Casey. On Disability Matters, host Patrick O’Donnell welcomed Dr. James Casey, Disability Inclusive Climate Justice Lead with CBM Ireland, for a wide-ranging and thought-provoking conversation about disability rights, global inequality and why climate justice cannot exist
Disability, Climate Justice and the Power of Local Voices — Dr. James Casey, CBM Ireland Read More »
In a recent episode of Disability Matters, hosts John Comiskey and Patrick O’Donnell spoke with Emma Wallace, Member Services and Advocacy Senior Coordinator with Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, and Louise Patterson, parent advocate and campaigner for equitable access to medication. Together, they explored what cystic fibrosis (CF) is, how it affects daily life, and why access
In this week’s episode of Disability Matters, host Patrick O’Donnell and John Comiskey spoke with Virgé Connery, Clinical Director and founder of Behaviour Detectives, for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation about behavioural psychology, autism, learning new skills, and supporting both children and adults to live more independent and confident lives. Founded in 2017, Behaviour Detectives
In this episode of Disability Matters, hosts John Comiskey and Patrick O’Donnell were joined by Brenda O’Donnell, Interim CEO of Active Disability Ireland, and Stephanie Mac Sweeney, Sport Inclusion Coordinator, for an in-depth conversation about inclusion, physical activity, and building accessible pathways into sport for people with disabilities across Ireland. Active Disability Ireland, formerly known
