Advocacy Talks with Vision Ireland

In this episode Madeleine chatted with Grace Gavin who is a 2nd year student at University of Limerick. She shared her love of music, both playing the piano and singing. She explained how she learns pieces for the piano despite her vision impairment and how she undertook music education in secondary school.Support the show

In this episode Madeleine spoke to Conor Clifford who is a Gaisce Youth Ambassador. He has achieved the bronze and silver Gaisce medals so far and having a vision impairment has not held Conor back. He shared his experience and love of Ireland’s Youth Awards in the hope that you will be inspired to take part.Support the show

in this episode Madeleine spoke to Fiona Kelty, Independent Travel Support Assistant with Dublin Bus. She explained how this service works and shared some useful tips to help people who are blind or vision impaired travel independently on public transport. For contact information to avail of this service nationally visit Independent Travel Support - Transport for Ireland.Support the show

If you want to be inspired then this episode is for you! Madeleine spoke to Clark Reynolds, aka Mr Dot, about his recent participation in the Brighton marathon where he achieved a world first, by using Meta glasses and the Be My Eyes app to be his sighted guide. Apart from that, Clarke is an amazing artist and disability ambassador through his awareness raising activities.Support the show

In this episode of Advocacy Talks Madeleine spoke to Wiktoria Kaminska who is studying at Technical University Dublin in Tallaght. She is totally blind and has a significant hearing loss. Wiktoria described the many supports that are available to assist her to complete her studies but also she highlighted the challenges that she still faces.Support the show

In this episode Madeleine spoke to Adela Buliman, Chief Accessibility Officer with Vially, about the European Accessibility Act (EAA) and the recent IAAP conference that they co-hosted at the Wayfinding Centre in Dublin recently. The discussion centred around the importance of users flagging to businesses issues with their services or systems and making complaints to the relevant regulator when there is non-compliance with the Act. You can find a list of all the EAA Regulators here.Support the show

In this episode we spoke to Michael Grimes about the recent Canon “World Unseen” exhibition which was hosted in the Photo Museum, Dublin. It offered a tactile and sensory experience through elevated prints, audio descriptions, braille and NaviLens. The exhibition was designed to make photography more inclusive and to demonstrate how technology can transform the way we engage with visual storytelling.Support the show

Do you want to become more physically active or take up a sport or learn how to support someone who is blind or vision impaired to participate in your local club/gymn? Padraig Healy, Vision Sports Ireland’s Nation Sport Development Manager, tells us how their National Strategy “Beyond Vision 2025-2028” aims to achieve this. Go to www.visionsports.ie to access resources and to become a member.Support the show

Are you an experienced musician who is blind or vision impaired? Have you always wanted to be in a band? Well, if so, here is your opportunity. Tony Mc Donald plays electric bass in a gigging band and has been involved in many bands over the years where he is the only person with a vision impairment.  He is now trying to form a band made up entirely of musicians who are blind or vision impaired.Support the show

In this episode we talk to Dr Lucia Pintado Gutierrez following the publication of her report The Challenges of Audio Description in Ireland: Bridging Education, Users and Industry (ADESI). This research examines the current provision of audio description services in Ireland across media, theatre, museums and sport and how this could be improved.Support the show

On this episode of Advocacy Talks, Jamie Millar tells us about budget 2026.From social welfare payments to the cost of disability, here’s everything you need to know.Support the show

On this episode of advocacy talks we catch up with Sean Moyles from vision sports Ireland to learn about his research into physical literacy for those with acquired visual impairments.Sean also tells us about how he got into sport growing up, with major influence from his parents.  Have an acquired visual impairment? Complete Sean‘s survey here. https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=9G3_Y6KeI062qbTCTc4rvHW0LpBWS-9CkVP-EDCvHxtUMEtUUzJDWlJVSTBVSVkzTEI4TjlJRTFJVy4uTo get in touch with the advocacy team send an email to [email protected] the show

On this episode of Advocacy Talks, we speak to Roisin Lenehan and Deirdre Deverell about the 2025 Clear Our Paths campaign. From bins and cars to branches and dog poo, temporary obstacles on footpaths create risks for those who are blind or vision impaired, as well as just being a general pain. With 16% of people requiring a hospital or doctor’s visit following an encounter with a temporary obstacle, we have one simple message:Please, please, please, Clear Our Paths!!!Support the show

On this episode of advocacy talks we catch up with Bobbie Hickey, who recently wrote a really interesting article for the Irish Times. With this month being disability pride month, what does it mean to be proud of something that so many people fear?Bobbie also discusses her journey seeking support, and why it’s important to ensure you feel in control when doing so.Want to get in touch with the advocacy team? Send an email now to [email protected] the show

In this episode of Advocacy Talks Madeleine speaks with Tytti Matsinen, president of the European Blind Union.They discuss what the EBU is and what issues it’s currently advocating on. Want to get in touch with the advocacy team? Send an email now to [email protected] the show

This week is European Mental Health Week, 2025. so Madeleine caught up with our Head of Counselling, Wellbeing & Emotional Support Peter O’Toole to discuss “Mental Health as a Social Right” From a discussion on loneliness to the services provided by the counselling team at Vision Ireland, there really is a lot to talk about.Want to get in touch with the advocacy team? Send an email now to [email protected] the show

Ahead of participating in this year‘s Riverdance summer school and performing at the evening reception of MayFest 2025, Méabh Conneely discusses her return to Irish dancing after losing her sight almost five years ago.She speaks openly about the challenges she’s faced, and tells us about the people that helped make it possible for her. Want to get in touch with the advocacy team? Send an email now to [email protected] the show

In this episode of Advocacy Talks, Stuart Haxell tells us about what it was like to gain back some vision following a new innovative gene therapy. He also tells us about what it was like to have so much media attention on his story. Want to get in touch with the advocacy team? Send an email now to [email protected]. Support the show

In this episode of Advocacy Talks Madeleine chats with ⁨Stuart Lawler⁩ about INBAF, the Irish National Braille and Alternative Formats Authority. They discuss the importance of advocating for yourself, and the significant benefits of Braille for blind people.Want to join a Local Advocacy Network? Send an email to [email protected] now.Support the show

June  chats with 4th year student Grace Gavin who confidently talks about how technology has helped her so much in her education. She talks passionately about the benefits of Transition Year and how it exposed her to new subjects as well as different trips she participated in. She encourages any other students with a vision impaired to actively speak up in the class if they have any difficulty.   If you liked this podcast, please subscribe to the NCBI YouTube channel and like, comment on, or share your favourite video!If you want to learn more about the work NCBI does to empower people using technology, check out the NCBI Labs YouTube channel  @ncbilabs  You can also follow NCBI on:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ncbisightloss/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ncbi_sightloss/?hl=enTwitter: https://twitter.com/NCBI_sightlossLinkedin: https://ie.linkedin.com/company/ncbi#VisionImpairment #Blind #SightLoss #IrishPodcasts #Inclusion #Accessibility #Technology #TransitionYear #SecondarySchools #Education #CommunicationSupport the show

June chats with  Stuart Haxell from Sligo, an avid blind tennis player who describes how he got involved in the sport and how it is adapted to ensure anyone who is blind or vision impaired can play. He chats passionately about the tournaments he’s participated in. He talks about the value participating in sport has on building new friendships and being good for overall wellbeing and physical fitness. If you liked this podcast, please subscribe to the NCBI YouTube channel and like, comment on, or share this video!If you're interested in more sports content on the #NCBIPodcast you can listen back to our episode with John Doherty: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rletTz4oTm0 You can also follow NCBI on:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ncbisightloss/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ncbi_sightl...Twitter: https://twitter.com/NCBI_sightlossLinkedin: https://ie.linkedin.com/company/ncbi#VisionImpairment #Blind #IrishPodcasts #Counselling #Sport #BlindTennis #Tennis #Fitness #Competition #Inclusion #AccessibilitySupport the show

#NCBIPodcast chats with Deirdre Leech who works with the Anne Sullivan Foundation delivering outreach services to people who are deafblind. She outlines the diverse services and supports on offer. She highlights the importance of developing alternative strategies for children who are deafblind to enable them to thrive, the use of tactile sign language and encourages all who are deafblind to be explicit in how they want to be communicated with to ensure they receive the support they need.  If you liked this podcast, please subscribe to the NCBI YouTube channel and like, comment on, or share your favourite video!If you want to learn more about the work NCBI does with children and young people, please try out our range of videos here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3vW7th1Ge50V6u4MyfLSQ9t1tGFpkrx8You can also follow NCBI on:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ncbisightloss/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ncbi_sightloss/?hl=enTwitter: https://twitter.com/NCBI_sightlossLinkedin: https://ie.linkedin.com/company/ncbi#VisionImpairment #Blind #SightLoss #IrishPodcasts #Inclusion #Accessibility #Parenting #Children #Education #Deafblind #CommunicationSupport the show

#NCBIPodcast meets Paraic Barnes, a psychologist who now has a positive outlook on life despite losing his sight very suddenly. He shares the importance of family, friends and NCBI tech club to help him adjust and is always heartened by strangers looking out for him. As with everything in life, he highlights that it is not always plain sailing but it is important to build resilience to help overcome challenges as they arise. If you liked this podcast, please subscribe to the NCBI YouTube channel and like, comment on, or share your favourite video!The NCBI Podcast has many stories of how people overcame hurdles after they lost their sight. You can listen back to previous episodes at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3vW7th1Ge50V6u4MyfLSQ9t1tGFpkrx8You can also follow NCBI on:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ncbisightloss/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ncbi_sightloss/?hl=enTwitter: https://twitter.com/NCBI_sightlossLinkedin: https://ie.linkedin.com/company/ncbi#VisionImpairment #Blind #SightLoss #Psychology #Resilience #Family #Support #Technology #FriendshipSupport the show

#NCBIPodcast meets Sheila McFarlane from Donegal who is vision impaired. A counsellor by profession, she gives her insights into the different challenges and similarities faced by those who are vision impaired from birth against those who acquire sight loss later in life. As a keen shopper, she shares her best shopping experiences. If you liked this video, please subscribe to the NCBI YouTube channel and like, comment on, or share this video!Sheila McFarlane's husband Gordon, a retired teacher who is blind, recently appeared on the #NCBIPodcast to chat to us as well. You can listen back to that episode at: https://youtu.be/xujjFOG8u1wYou can also follow NCBI on:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ncbisightloss/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ncbi_sightl...Twitter: https://twitter.com/NCBI_sightlossLinkedin: https://ie.linkedin.com/company/ncbi#VisionImpairment #Blind #IrishPodcasts #Counselling #NCBIRetail #Retail #Shopping #Inclusion #AccessibilitySupport the show

#NCBIPodcast chats with Barry and Katie Ryan, parents to Maggie and Rosie who have Chromatopsia. They share how the ECLO (Eye Clinic Liaison Officer) services helped them understand, process and accept their daughters’ condition and how the ECLO is always a helpful resource to them at every step of their children’s development guaranteeing that their girls can thrive like everyone else.  If you liked this podcast, please subscribe to the NCBI YouTube channel and like, comment on, or share your favourite video!If you want to learn more about the work NCBI's ECLO service does for adults and children, you can watch our Vision Series episode on this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFDJFMiG3kEYou can also follow NCBI on:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ncbisightloss/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ncbi_sightloss/?hl=enTwitter: https://twitter.com/NCBI_sightlossLinkedin: https://ie.linkedin.com/company/ncbi#VisionImpairment #Blind #SightLoss #IrishPodcasts #Inclusion #Accessibility #Parenting #Children #ECLO #NCBISupport the show

#NCBIPodcast chats with Sinead Kilcawley and her daughter Niamh who outline the lack of appropriate supports for blind pupils in doing state exams. Despite having the required assistive technology and the support of the school, Niamh talks about the inflexibility of the education system to respond to individual needs and how a 10 minute extra per hour and exam papers not being adapted puts her at a disadvantage. If you liked this podcast, please subscribe to the NCBI YouTube channel and like, comment on, or share your favourite video!If you want to learn more about the work NCBI does with children and young people, please try out our range of videos here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3vW7th1Ge50V6u4MyfLSQ9t1tGFpkrx8You can also follow NCBI on:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ncbisightloss/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ncbi_sightloss/?hl=enTwitter: https://twitter.com/NCBI_sightlossLinkedin: https://ie.linkedin.com/company/ncbi#VisionImpairment #Blind #SightLoss #IrishPodcasts #Inclusion #Accessibility #Parenting #Children #Education #Exams #AssistiveTechnology #CommunicationSupport the show

#NCBIPodcast chats with Geraldine Cussen who is shop manager in NCBI Navan shop and is vision impaired. She reveals her joy of working with volunteers and customers and the sense of community it brings. She outlines the strategies she uses to support customers who are vision impaired and the importance of sharing that knowledge for everyone’s benefit. If you liked this podcast, please subscribe to the NCBI YouTube channel and like, comment on, or share your favourite video!If you want to learn more about the work of NCBI in communities around Ireland, please check out more of the NCBI Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3vW7th1Ge519byWD81he5bWv98RdgeDN You can also follow NCBI on:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ncbisightloss/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ncbi_sightloss/?hl=enTwitter: https://twitter.com/NCBI_sightlossLinkedin: https://ie.linkedin.com/company/ncbi#VisionImpairment #Blind #SightLoss #IrishPodcasts #Inclusion #Accessibility #NCBIRetail #Fashion #VintageFashion #Community #EducationSupport the show

#NCBIPodcast chats with Peadar Golden from Tier who talks about all things e-scooters. He supports many of NCBI’s concerns regarding use of e-scooters and outlines how Tier is addressing these in their shared schemes.If you liked this podcast, please subscribe to the NCBI YouTube channel and like, comment on, or share your favourite video!On the topic of transport, NCBI previously spoke to Eugene Rooney on his Free Travel Pass win. You can listen back to the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3vW7th1Ge50V6u4MyfLSQ9t1tGFpkrx8You can also follow NCBI on:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ncbisightloss/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ncbi_sightloss/?hl=enTwitter: https://twitter.com/NCBI_sightlossLinkedin: https://ie.linkedin.com/company/ncbi#VisionImpairment #Blind #SightLoss #Travel #EScooter #SafetyFirst  #Accessibility #Advocacy #Education #CommunicationSupport the show

#NCBIPodcast chats to John Doherty is an active sportsman and is doing a Masters in Disability Studies. He shares his passion for Park Run and the health and social benefits it brings. He highlights employers perceptions as being a real barrier to getting employment and he encourages everyone to seize opportunities and work to their own personal strengths. If you liked this podcast, please subscribe to the NCBI YouTube channel and like, comment on, or share your favourite video!If you want to learn more about the work NCBI and Vision Sport does, check out our recent Advocacy Talks session about Vision Sports Ireland:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n24WZLWiAUYou can also follow NCBI on:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ncbisightloss/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ncbi_sightloss/?hl=enTwitter: https://twitter.com/NCBI_sightlossLinkedin: https://ie.linkedin.com/company/ncbi#VisionImpairment #Blind #IrishPodcasts #Inclusion #Accessibility #Exercise #Sport #BlindFootball #ParkRun #EmploymentSupport the show

#NCBIPodcast chats with Gordon McFarlane, a retired teacher living in Donegal. He shares the different strategies used in his classroom once he went blind and how it lead to the best teaching experiences of his career. Presently, he is a radio presenter on Uplift FM. He advises anyone with a sight loss condition to face it so they can lead their life to the fullest. If you liked this podcast, please subscribe to the NCBI YouTube channel and like, comment on, or share your favourite videos!The #NCBIPodcast previously spoke to qualified secondary school teacher Claire Shorten about her challenges in finding a teaching role. You can listen back to this episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTdvpiNFeCg&t=1sYou can also follow NCBI on:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ncbisightloss/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ncbi_sightl...Twitter: https://twitter.com/NCBI_sightlossLinkedin: https://ie.linkedin.com/company/ncbi#VisionImpairment #Blind #Teaching #IrishRadio #IrishPodcasts #Hobbies #Music #Inclusion #AccessibilitySupport the show

#NCBIPodcast meets Brendan Laffan from Limerick who talks passionately about working in the NCBI Newcastlewest shop as well as previously being a local radio presenter and editor. He shares how his sighted colleagues initially helped him to ensure he can undertake all his duties. He enjoys the teamwork and camaraderie and loves being part of the community.If you liked this video, please subscribe to the NCBI YouTube channel and like, comment on, or share this video !If you're interested to learn about the many professions and interests that people who are blind or vision impaired take part in, check out previous editions of the #NCBIPodcast at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3vW7th1Ge519byWD81he5bWv98RdgeDNYou can also follow NCBI on:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ncbisightloss/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ncbi_sightloss/?hl=enTwitter: https://twitter.com/NCBI_sightlossLinkedin: https://ie.linkedin.com/company/ncbi#VisionImpairment #Blind #BestJobs #IrishPodcasts #NCBIRetail #Retail #Shopping #LocalRadio #Inclusion #AccessibilitySupport the show

#NCBIPodcast meets Mary O’Sullivan from Kerry, mum to Grace (aged 12) who has Stargardt disease which largely affects her central vision. She highlights how Grace uses her Assistive Technology to thrive in school and recalls the huge community support received during their Pedal for Grace fundraising event that raised over €20k for NCBI. If you liked this podcast, please subscribe on your favourite podcast platform and subscribe to the NCBI YouTube channel and like, comment on, or share our content!If you want to learn more about the work NCBI does with children and young people, you can watch episode four of the NCBI Vision Series at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dTq57mWvxAYou can also follow NCBI on:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ncbisightloss/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ncbi_sightloss/?hl=enTwitter: https://twitter.com/NCBI_sightlossLinkedin: https://ie.linkedin.com/company/ncbi#VisionImpairment #Blind #StargardtDisease #Fundraising #IrishPodcasts #Parenting #Inclusion #AccessibilitySupport the show

#NCBIPodcast meets Eugene Rooney from Dundalk who shares how he got Irish Rail to change and modernise their procedures for Free Travel Pass holders wishing to travel to Northern Ireland. This simplified process will benefit anyone with a disability and has spurred him on to progress other issues that need to be improved for people who are #Blind or #VisionImpaired.Support the show

#NCBIPodcast talks with Tina Lowe who recalls the frustrations, anger and laughter after becoming blind suddenly. It ignited a passion in her of making sure society is accessible to everyone which inspires her daily in her role as Accessibility Officer in UCD and has led to changes in the campus that enables all students with disabilities to enjoy all aspects of student life.Support the show

#NCBIpodcast chats with Seen Unseen project creator Clare McLaughlin. This interactive art project is about making art and culture more accessible to people who are blind or vision impaired. Through a series of gallery or museum visits across Ireland participants (attending in-person or online) can have a tactile and interactive experience of different exhibitions. Seen Unseen has grown in popularity with participants from abroad also benefiting and plans for other arts and culture venue visits already planned for 2023. More details available: www.artistclaremclaughlin.org. Support the show

 #NCBIPodcast chats with 15-year-old vision impaired inventor of VIPMOD, Maura Moore McCune. Her designs aim to make it easier for pedestrians with sight loss to detect moving objects to ensure they can navigate their streetscape safely. She credit the strides in technology for giving people like her greater independence and believes there is plenty more scope to make the world more inclusive. Support the show

#NCBIPodcast marks World Mental Health Day by chatting to service users Breandan Ward, Leonard O’Mahoney and John Pepper about their participation in the Men’s Network. They highlight the power of talking and listening as an aid to improve mental health and the value of the Action for Happiness framework which guides of their discussion by exploring practical ways to enhance wellbeing.Support the show

#NCBIPodcast meets David Ryan who shares the joys and challenges of becoming a foster parent and how rewarding it is to his own family on a daily basis. He talks about his experience of being a mature student and encourages everyone not to be frightened to ask for help to ensure you get the supports, advice or help you need whatever the circumstances.Support the show

#NCBIPodcast  talks to Chantelle Smith of NCBI Possibility Lab about the leadership they offer in accessibility and innovative design to create a built environment that works for all but particularly those who are blind or vision impaired. She brings both passion and experience to the access consultancy and awareness training they offer to professionals in the built environment e.g. architects and engineers. She encourages all interested to attend the Change this Space online seminar on 17th October 2022.Support the show

NCBI podcasts meets Stuart Lawler who chats passionately about the importance of Braille in advancing inclusion of people who are blind or vision impaired in education, employment and leisure activities. He highlights how technology has made Music Braille more accessible and more commonly used for the benefit of blind musicians.Support the show

#NCBIPodcast meets Aoife Doherty, who is travelling around Europe in a campervan. She talks about the accessibility of campsites and tourist attractions against her accessibility criteria with some excelling and others failing. She encourages anyone interested in travelling to do so on their own terms so they can enjoy it entirely.Support the show

#NCBIPodcast talks to CEO and founder of the Culinary Ability Awards, Chris Sandford. Chris explains the origins and format of these pan disability culinary awards and invites anyone with a vision impairment and a passion for food to consider participating in the different events and competitions he runs.Support the show

#NCBIPodcast chats with Katie Abrahams a student who has a very rare condition called LCHAD affecting her vision and metabolism. She shares how positive her school was in responding to her needs and abilities and how she’s had mixed experiences in different universities. For her, good cohesion between disability services, academic staff and the student are vital to increasing participation of students with disabilities in 3rd level as is the importance of public awareness of vision loss.Support the show

#NCBIPodcast talks with Dylan Rees about his passion for snooker, his successes as a vision impaired snooker player and his plans to extend the sport to more people living with sight loss. He invites people to try the game and shares his plans for hosting a tournament next year in Carlow. www.sbireland.ieSupport the show

#NCBIPodcast chats with Aine Sullivan, a music student who loves to sing and is an avid rower. She recalls her wonderful experience of being the Germany Rose in the Rose of Tralee Festival and how the Irish network is so important across the globe. She encourages everyone with a sight loss condition to focus on their strengths and passions as these don’t change even when your vision deteriorates.  Instagram = @aine.m.sullivanFacebook = @ainesullivanSupport the show

#NCBIPodcast meets Robbie Ford who talks about the power of positivity thinking when adjusting to living with sight loss, encouraging everyone to focus on their abilities rather than disabilities. He describes his joy of being made permanent in his position and how he’s also become a motivational speaker and comedian. Check him out: www.optimisteyes.com.Support the show

Eleanor Burke chats to the #NCBIPodcast about living with Aniridia, a rare eye condition affecting the development of the iris. She recalls her own school experience and being the first to attend college in contrast to the recent strides made in inclusive education and technology which really benefits the younger generation who are vision impaired.  She invites anyone with Aniridia to get in touch as there is real value in people with the same condition to share experiences and support each other.Support the show

#NCBIPodcast meets Joe McPhillips from Wexford. He chats about the upheaval he experienced after losing his sight quickly. He’s now an avid Apple fan and has embraced technology to give him the confidence to stay connected and navigate his surroundings safely and independently.Support the show

#NCBIPodcast speaks to Jade McCormack about the joys and challenges of parenting with a vision impairment. She shares the tips and tricks she uses when at home or out and about with her daughter and the importance of relying on her gut instincts given each child is unique.Support the show

#NCBIPodcast meets Claire Shorten who is a qualified secondary school teacher actively looking for a teaching position. Her passion, enthusiasm and determination shines as she shares her love of teaching, frustrations of her recruitment challenges and pleasure at being the facilitator for the East Local Advocacy Network. She encourages anyone who is blind or vision impaired to never stop dreaming of achieving their personal goals.Support the show