Spotlight on Conor Lynott
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Originally from Wexford and now living independently in Dublin, he is determined to not only build a life for himself but to also challenge the barriers that continue to face people with disabilities across Ireland.
Conor was born in Dublin’s Rotunda Hospital and has cerebral palsy. His family later moved to Wexford where he grew up, surrounded by a strong family support network.
“I always wanted to move back to Dublin,” he says. “Wexford is a great base, but Dublin is the gateway to so many opportunities.”
That ambition led him to University College Dublin, where he completed an undergraduate degree in History and Philosophy before earning a master’s degree in library and information studies with first-class honours.
“I was obviously delighted with that,” he says.
Today, Conor lives in Irish Wheelchair Association’s accessible housing development in Clontarf. Moving into his apartment in 2023 marked a major milestone.
“The first thought I had was, ‘I made it.’ I made it to the finish line, and now I have an opportunity that I have to grab with both hands.”
“It’s a natural progression for children to move out of their family homes when they grow up and I really wanted that,” he told Spoke Out.
He is quick to acknowledge how fortunate he is to have secured independent living at a time when many people remain living with their parents, not generally through choice, but because of a lack of accessible housing.
“When you look at people with disabilities being stuck in their parents’ homes, I have to be grateful. It puts everything I need on my doorstep and gives me the opportunity to make the most of it. Not many people my age, with a disability, or not, can say they have that in the current housing crisis.”
Need for joined-up thinking across Government Departments
However, the journey to independent living was far from straightforward. To move into his apartment, Conor needed a personal assistance package of 115 hours per week. Securing those hours took approximately a year.
“Even disability advocates were telling me I had no hope of getting that level of support,” he recalls.
During that period, he continued paying rent to keep the apartment available, despite being unable to move in.
“It’s one of the consequences of the lack of joined-up thinking,” he said.
For Conor, this experience highlights a wider issue in disability policy. He believes disability is still viewed primarily through a healthcare lens rather than as a matter that cuts across all areas of society.
“Disability isn’t just a health issue. It affects housing, education, employment, transport and every aspect of life. There needs to be joined-up thinking right across government departments.”
“The thinking around disability has to change, and it has to change quickly.”
Designing housing to meet the needs of all
Conor is particularly passionate about housing. He believes accessible design should be a standard consideration rather than an afterthought.
“Everyone is likely to experience disability at some point in their lives. Housing needs to be built with that in mind.”
In January, Conor was part of an IWA delegation who addressed the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Housing where he highlighted and spoke passionately about his lived experience waiting for accessible housing and in particular the delay in securing a PA service.
IWA asked the Committee to support three priorities: 1. Amend Part M of the Building Regulations to include technical guidance for wheelchair liveable homes. 2. Ensure robust data collection on wheelchair users to enable effective housing planning. 3. Review the Department’s Design Manual for Quality Housing to include Universal Design Home+ layouts.
Being interviewed for Spoke Out is a bit of a full circle moment for Conor who credits an article in an edition over a decade ago with encouraging him to live independently. “It was an article about somebody who was living in their own place and I remember my mother saying to me ‘you should strive for that Conor’. Articles like these inspire others.”
Employment is another area where he sees barriers. He argues that income limits attached to supports can discourage disabled people from progressing in their careers.
“The supports are there to help people get into work, but once you start climbing the ladder, you can lose them. That becomes a disincentive to seek promotions or move beyond entry-level roles.”
He hopes ongoing discussions around a Cost of Disability Payment will lead to meaningful change.
Recently, Conor accepted a position as a Clerical Officer with the National Disability Authority, a role he is looking forward to starting.
Conor releases Accessible Bible Word Search Book
Alongside his advocacy work, Conor has also become a published author.
In October, he released Accessible Bible Word Search: The Gospels, a book designed to combine theology and entertainment.
More than 200 copies have been sold, and the book is now stocked in his local bookshop in Wexford. You can also buy the Accessible Bible Word Search on Amazon.
Dating can present additional barriers for people with disabilities
Conor’s positive outlook and refusal to accept no, continues to shape his approach to life.
“There are barriers for people with disabilities. Anyone would be foolish to say there aren’t. But you keep going, keep knocking on doors and keep pushing boundaries.”
“The first thing I would say to anyone is join IWA and start telling people about your situation. Find the advocates, the politicians and the experts who can help you get from where you are to where you want to be.”
Looking ahead, Conor hopes to continue building his career, find a permanent home and perhaps meet a partner. He acknowledges that dating can present additional challenges for people with disabilities, particularly when accessibility barriers limit participation in social activities.
“I’d like to meet a partner, there is no getting around the fact if you have a disability, dating is harder. I use the dating apps, sometimes I struggle with confidence if I get rejected but that is something we all have to get to grips with.
“If you go to a singles night, the event itself may not be accessible because it’s on the first floor and very often older buildings don’t have lifts.
His solution, as always, is practical.
“If something isn’t accessible, create your own opportunity. Set up your own group. Choose a venue you know is accessible. That’s how you get around it.”
Removing barriers that get in the way
Ultimately, Conor’s vision is simple: a society where people with disabilities can participate fully in everyday life.
“It’s about doing the normal things—going to work, watching football, joining clubs, meeting people, living independently, living your life. The goal is removing the barriers that get in the way.”
“If you keep thinking something will never happen, it definitely won’t. Put a plan in place. Find the right people. Keep pushing. Be the person who doesn’t shut up.”