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
People with intellectual disabilities can face significant health challenges as they grow older, but for women, some of those challenges can be particularly complex and often overlooked. On Disability Matters, John Comiskey speaks with Dr. Eilish Burke and Stephanie Corrigan about women’s health, ageing, menopause, sexual and reproductive health, physical activity and the barriers that can
Menopause, Health and Ageing: Supporting Women with Intellectual Disabilities Read More »
Eating disorders can affect people of all ages and backgrounds, yet they are often surrounded by misunderstanding, stigma and silence. On this week’s Disability Matters, John Comiskey speaks with Conor Nolan from Bodywhys, the Eating Disorders Association of Ireland, about eating disorders, the importance of understanding them as serious illnesses, and the support available to
Breaking the Silence: Conor Nolan on Eating Disorders, Recovery and Support Read More »
A Message from Our Team August has been a month of powerful stories, important campaigns and reasons to hope. From Jessi Abbey’s campaign for access to Skyclarys and Theresa’s story of living with Hurler syndrome, to new Disability Matters interviews and upcoming community events, this month’s newsletter highlights the people and issues at the heart
August 2026 Newsletter Read More »
For Jessi Abbey, the fight for access to Skyclarys was never simply about a drug. It was about time: time to watch her five-year-old daughter Remi grow up, time to continue working and living independently, and time to experience the ordinary moments in life that many people take for granted. Jessi, who works at BCIL,
For disabled people and disability organisations, keeping up with consultations, policy decisions, advocacy campaigns and changes that affect everyday life can be a challenge. Information is often spread across different websites, organisations and government departments — and it is not always easy to find, understand or access. That is the gap the Disability Participation News
From Information to Action: Nicole Lonican on Disability Participation Read More »
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
A Message from Our Team Welcome to the July edition of the Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living Newsletter. At BCIL, we are committed to empowering people with disabilities to live independently, participate fully in their communities, and have equal opportunities to achieve their goals. Through advocacy, peer support, information and community engagement, we work together
