Table of Contents
About The Podcast
The Right to Ordinary Podcast
Real conversations about rights, inclusion and living an ordinary life.
A Right to Ordinary is Inclusion Ireland’s podcast exploring the issues that matter most to people with intellectual disabilities, families and supporters. Every episode breaks down complex topics into plain language, shares lived experience, and offers practical information you can use.
Why this podcast?
Knowledge is the first step towards power.
Too often, disability policy, legislation and services are explained using complicated language. That can leave people feeling confused or like decisions are being made for them.
A Right to Ordinary helps make these systems easier to understand.
Each episode explores one important topic through honest conversations with self-advocates, families and experts, helping listeners understand their rights, ask informed questions and make decisions with confidence.
Episodes
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Episode 1
Available Now
Episode 1 – The Right to Ordinary Begins Here
In our first episode, we explore ableism – what it is, where it comes from, and how it continues to shape the lives of people with intellectual disabilities every day. Through honest conversation and powerful lived experience, we look at how discrimination can be built into our attitudes, language and systems, often creating unnecessary barriers to work, education, housing and decision-making.
Self-advocate Lydia Fisher shares her personal journey, from overcoming barriers to employment and learning to drive to regaining her right to make her own decisions after leaving Ward of Court. We also hear from Fiachra O’Connor, who explains how ableism shows up in society, why language matters, and what each of us can do to challenge discrimination.
Together, the conversation highlights why creating an Ireland where everyone can live an ordinary, self-directed life requires both personal reflection and systemic change
Key Topics
- Understanding ableism and how it affects everyday life
- The lasting impact of institutionalisation
- Employment and equal opportunities
- Supported decision-making and leaving Ward of Court
- Accessible systems and removing barriers
- The power of language and challenging stereotypes
- Becoming anti-ableist and creating inclusive communities
Resources:
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Episode 2
Understanding Supported Decision-Making
About this episode:
Making decisions is something we all do every day, but for many people with intellectual disabilities, having their choices heard and respected has not always been guaranteed. In this episode, we explore the Assisted Decision-Making Act, what it means in practice, and why supported decision-making is about empowering people to lead their own lives – not taking families out of the picture.Derval is joined by Molly O’Keefe, founder of Positive Pathways and a long-time advocate for family leadership and inclusion.
Drawing on both her professional experience and her family’s journey, Molly shares practical examples of how people can be supported to make decisions in ways that reflect their own wishes, preferences and relationships.
We also hear from Fiachra O’Connor, who explains the Assisted Decision-Making Act in plain language, addresses common misconceptions, and outlines the practical supports available for people and families.
Together, the conversation highlights that good decision-making starts with relationships, trust and listening, ensuring every person has the opportunity to shape their own life and future.
Key topics
- What the Assisted Decision-Making Act means in practice
- Common myths and misunderstandings about the legislation
- The important role of families and natural supports
- Supporting people to express their will and preferences
- Everyday and major life decisions
- Practical tools, including communication passports and vision planning
- How to access information and support through the Decision Support Service (DSS)
Resources:
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Episode 3 - Coming Soon
The Right to My Own Home
About this episode
What does independent living really mean? Why is choice about where and who you live with so important? We explore housing, community and the right to belong.
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Episode 4 - Coming Soon
Money, Independence and the Cost of Exclusion
Understanding financial rights, managing money and the real cost of disability.
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Episode 5 - Coming Soon
Inclusive Education
Why inclusive education matters and how children can be supported to learn alongside their peers
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Episode 6 - Coming Soon
Relationships, Love and Belonging
Exploring friendships, relationships and challenging stereotypes
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