“You have the pain — but you also have the power to manage it.” On Disability Matters, John Comiskey speaks with Fiona Armitage, a Dublin woman living with chronic pain, about a journey that began with what was meant to be a routine operation — and became a life-altering battle for diagnosis, understanding and survival. […]
Living with Chronic Pain — Fiona Armitage’s Journey from Despair to Power 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 »
“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 »
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
In this week’s episode of Disability Matters, host John Comiskey spoke with David Redmond, Communications Officer with Vision Ireland, about living with sight loss, the supports available across Ireland, and how technology is transforming independence for blind and visually impaired people. David, who himself was born with a vision impairment, brought both professional insight and
In this episode of Disability Matters, John Comiskey speaks with Dearbhail Mullan, Treasurer of Williams Syndrome Ireland, alongside her son Ciarán, about living with Williams Syndrome, navigating diagnosis and services, and the vital role of community, advocacy, and support across the lifespan. Williams Syndrome is a rare genetic neurodevelopmental condition, affecting approximately 1 in 10,000
Understanding Williams Syndrome: Community, Advocacy, and Looking to the Future Read More »
In this week’s episode of Disability Matters, host John Comiskey sits down with Fiona O’Driscoll, Regional Patient and Service User Engagement Lead for the HSE Dublin & North East. In an insightful conversation, Fiona explains how the HSE is reshaping healthcare by placing patients, service users, carers, and advocacy organisations at the centre of decision-making.
In this week’s episode of Disability Matters, host John Comiskey sits down with Sharon Lane, Chief Executive Officer of Dyspraxia Ireland, for an in-depth conversation about developmental coordination disorder (DCD) — more commonly known as dyspraxia — and the supports available to children, adults, and families across Ireland. Warm, engaging, and deeply informative, Sharon offers
Dyspraxia Awareness: Moving Beyond Labels and Misconceptions – Sharon Lane Read More »
In our latest Disability Matters episode, John Comiskey speaks with Emma Clarke Conway, Operations Manager at Polio Survivors Ireland, and Mick Keegan, who shares his personal journey from childhood polio to living with post-polio syndrome. This insightful conversation explores the history of polio in Ireland, the long-term challenges survivors face, and the vital supports offered by the organisation. A must-listen for anyone interested in health, disability rights, and community support.
