In a recent episode of Disability Matters, John Comiskey spoke with Rob Thompson-Hunter, a new member of staff at Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL), about his experience of living with a rare neurological condition, the challenges of receiving a diagnosis, and the importance of finding a way forward when life changes unexpectedly. Rob’s story
On Disability Matters, John Comiskey speaks with UpLiving co-founder Ellen Zha about innovation, dignity and the award-winning Glide 2-in-1 Rollator and Wheelchair. Mobility aids are designed to help people remain independent. But what happens when the equipment itself becomes a barrier — because it is heavy, difficult to use, awkward to store or simply doesn’t
Mobility Without Compromise: Ellen Zha on UpLiving and the Glide 2-in-1 Read More »
Disability Matters explores acquired brain injury, recovery, hidden disabilities and the support available through Headway Ireland. For many people, a brain injury is something that is difficult to see from the outside. A person may look physically well while experiencing significant changes to their memory, communication, concentration, emotions, ability to plan and organise, or sensitivity
Finding a New Normal: Ruth Lunnon and Allan McAllorum on Life After Brain Injury Read More »
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
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
Finding Her Voice: Emma Ward on Disability, Advocacy, Representation and Making Change Read More »
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
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
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
Why Disability Rights Matter: Conor Clifford Shares His Story Read More »
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
Seeing Beyond Sight: John Comiskey Speaks with Alannah Moriarty Read More »
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
