ABOUT MY WAY ACCESS
My Way Access is a recognised disabled rights and disability blog, focused on ensuring disabled people have equal and inclusive rights across accessibility, services, and health.
My Way Access was created to educate non-disabled people about what it is like to be disabled and help disabled people achieve their voice at local and national government.
We have reviewed over 100 premises from across Ireland for disabled accessibly and that continues to grow. See our reviews before travelling and leave us your reviews too. The My Way Access review is built by disabled people, for disabled people.
Follow the My Way Access blogs, news and videos to see the work we do. We have launched a new podcast with Felicity McKee from Chronically Fabulous.
My Way Access works closely with:
- Fermanagh and Omagh District Council
- Omagh Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Equality Commission for Northern Ireland
- Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission
- The Department for Communities – Northern Ireland Executive
- STILL I RISE Diversity Story Telling
- Cultivate Respect, Appreciate Inclusion in Communities in Northern Ireland (CRAIC NI)
ABOUT DERMOT DEVLIN
A little about me I suppose. My name is Dermot and I set up My Way Access back in 2009. It grew out of frustration of not being able to get answers to my questions and not be able to access premises, due to their poor accessibility.
Rather than getting angry, I wanted to do something positive and create a disability awareness movement. My Way Access was born.
I have a rare disease called Mucopolysaccharides Morquio. Long story short, I am short and I use a wheelchair. It is a part of who I am, but it does not define who I am. I am disabled and proud, I am Dermot.
in 2020, I was awarded the Bravery Award from Amnesty International UK Human Rights Defender for Northern Ireland in recognition of the campaigning I do for disabled people.
I have been working at Omagh Enterprise since 2002, where I began as an Administrations Officer to their Social Media Project Officer.
In my spare time, there is nothing more I enjoy more than hanging out with my family and friends. Whether that is going to the cinema, heading out for a bite to eat or a quick drink in the pub.
One of the two biggest joys in my life is live stand up comedy, where you can often see me in the audience of the famous Daly’s Comedy Club in Omagh. Nothing beats a good laugh and this is the best stage to showcase the best of Irish comedy and big international names.
The other big joy is cosplay. I just love attending Comic Cons in Belfast and Dublin, as well as Comic Fests in Enniskillen and Omagh, dressed as my favourite comic book and films characters. Interacting with people is very liberating and it brings the social awkwardness some non-disabled people have, for a few hours.
In the quiet times, I have a shoes kicked off, watching Netflix with my trusty dog Mirta. She is my mini-shadow and is always with me.
WORK WITH ME
I enjoy working with the media to highlight disabled issues to a wider audience.
I have featured on BBC TV and Radio, both locally and across a wider UK audience. I have also featured on UTV on various news items.
Over the years, I have been in local press and wider Irish and UK newspapers, talking about various disabled issues.
I have also collaborated with The Detail regarding an investigative report on Stormont’s failure to provide a disability provision at venues across Northern Ireland. I have worked with Triplevision Productions on “Disability Paradox”, a BBC documentary on disabled people and mental health.
I have delivered talks and keynote speeches for TEDx, Rare Disease Day, Disability Action / Department For Communities, Little Penny Thoughts, Leonard Cheshire and University College Dublin.
I offer a professional, yet personal engagement, with informative posts, and social media updates to a loyal and engaging audience.
Contact me at info@mywayaccess.com for media or talk requests