My Way Access

23/06/2026

Started the day with a walk around the Boating Lake at Omagh Leisure Complex.

The sun was shining, there was a warm breeze in the air and plenty of people enjoying a peaceful morning by the water.

A great way to start the day before today's Omagh Access Forum meeting.

21/06/2026

In a recent Observer article, Melanie Reid quoted Tom Shakespeare claiming that few disabled people support the social model of disability.

He's entitled to that view, but it doesn't reflect my experience or that of many disabled people I work alongside.

The social model doesn't deny impairment. It challenges the barriers society puts in our way.

That's why it still matters.

15/06/2026

If a social media ban for under-16s is introduced, ministers cannot simply ignore its impact on disabled young people.

For many disabled teenagers, social media is not a luxury or a distraction. It is often their primary way of maintaining friendships, accessing support, finding information and connecting with people who understand their experiences.

A disabled young person living in a rural area, struggling with mobility, unable to attend school regularly, or living with a rare condition may have more meaningful social interaction online than offline. Remove that access and you risk increasing isolation, loneliness and exclusion.

Politicians are rightly concerned about online harms. But disabled young people already face barriers to education, employment, transport, leisure activities and social participation. We should be removing barriers, not creating new ones.

What concerns me most is that disabled young people are rarely at the centre of these debates. Decisions are made about them, not with them.

If ministers are serious about introducing restrictions, they must first demonstrate that they understand the consequences for disabled children and young people. That means meaningful consultation with disabled young people and Disabled People's Organisations before any legislation is introduced.

A policy designed to protect young people should not end up cutting some of the most isolated and excluded young people off from the very communities that help them belong.

Safety matters. But so do inclusion, connection, independence and participation. Disabled young people deserve all four.

12/06/2026

A big congratulations to everyone involved in the opening of Croí An Chaisleáin Ghlais at An Caisleán Glas, Sperrin Óg, Handball & Fr. Shields Camogie last weekend.

It's a fantastic new facility that reflects the pride, commitment and community spirit that have been at the heart of the club for generations. While it remembers the past warmly, it is very much a building looking towards the future.

The event began with wonderful music organised by Bronagh Maguire and Grainne Conway with talented local choir, setting the tone for a special occasion. This was followed by a blessing of the facilities by Fr Donnelly and Fr Devine from Parish of Greencastle - Co. Tyrone.

Among those in attendance were Peter Canavan, Cllr Stephen McCann, Vice-Chairperson of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Martin Sludden, Chairperson of Tyrone GAA, and Ciaran McLaughlin of Ulster GAA. They joined club members and the wider community, including the oldest member of the parish community, Cassie McCullagh, and the youngest, Senan Warnock, son of senior player Sean Warnock, in officially opening the new facility.

It was clear from the turnout and atmosphere just how much this project means to the people of Greencastle. Congratulations to everyone who played a part in making it happen. This is a tremendous asset for the club, the parish and future generations who will pass through its doors.

04/06/2026

I’m honoured to have been re-elected as Vice-Chair of the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Access and Inclusion Group.

Thank you to everyone for your continued faith and support. I look forward to working with fellow members over the next term to help deliver real, positive change for deaf and disabled people across our district.

30/05/2026

The Moygashel controversy made me reflect on my experiences working with diverse communities through CRAIC NI and disability activism.

A short blog on diversity, belonging and shared humanity.

Read here: cutt.ly/et1TGCsi

28/05/2026

I was very excited to revive the Omagh Access Forum.

It's back now and changes in Omagh are coming.

The first revived meeting of the Omagh Access Forum has now taken place at FOCUS Omagh in Omagh Community House.
Town stakeholders and deaf and disabled people came together for an informal discussion on how the Forum will operate moving forward and how we can become more proactive, visible and present within the community.

The focus is simple: delivering real, practical change in Omagh for deaf and disabled people through stronger engagement, partnership working and lived experience.

22/05/2026

The debate around the Sperrins is about more than planning documents and mining applications.

It is about memory, history and communities who know these roads and landscapes because they lived them for generations.

🔗 cutt.ly/utNWZvK6

Save Our Sperrins | An Caisleán Glas, ár stair- Greencastle, our history | Greencastle People's Office

21/05/2026

“Disabled people must be trusted to manage their lives, not policed.”

- Dermot Devlin

Disability Action NI warns Motability restrictions could deepen isolation for disabled people - https://viewdigital.org/disability-action-ni-warns-motability-restrictions-could-deepen-isolation-for-disabled-people/ - Disability Action Northern Ireland Dermot Devlin Una Murphy