Nerine

FND Research Projects in Women’s Health, Pregnancy and FND – Recruiting Women with FND aged 18 and up.
Dr Alex Lehn and Dr David Palmer at the Princess Alexandra Hospital (QLD, Australia) are currently recruiting women with FND aged 18 or over to participate in surveys related to Women's Health, Pregnancy and FND. 1. The first study looks at the effect that pregnancies and pregnancy-related issues have on symptoms of FND. For anyone interested please follow this link for more information and to fill out the online survey:https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/R5BD8R6 2. The second study investigate…
QLD Taxi Subsidy Scheme and Lift Payment
Many people with Functional Neurological Disorder experience functional movement symptoms which can affect their mobility and some experience visual symptoms including reduced vision. Some people may be no longer able to drive due to seizures. All of these issues can create difficulties with transport. The Taxi Subsidy Scheme (TSS) is a Queensland Government initiative designed to improve the mobility and quality of life for Queenslanders with a disability by providing access to affordable …
Perspectives on FND
In March, we hosted our first hybrid online event in Brisbane to raise awareness of FND. Nerine led a multidisciplinary panel discussion with Clinical Psychologist, Dr Hui Quek of Kinexus Psychology and Movement Disorder Neurologist, Dr David Palmer from the Nambour and Sunshine Coast University Hospitals. Recording of Perspectives on FND If you missed the event and would like to watch the recording, you can access it here: Perspectives on FND.mp4 Articles/Books mentioned in t…
Noise Cancelling Headphones
Image credit: sony.com.au For some people with FND, sensory input can make their symptoms worse... including triggering involuntary spasms or non-epileptic seizures, affecting physical and cognitive fatigue.  Noisy environments are quite tiring for me and at their worst can affect my cognition, speech and voluntary moment. I've been using Loops Experience Plus for quite awhile when I'm out and about but sometimes they aren't quite enough. (You can read our post on Loops here) Wh…
Hoyts Concession for Carers
Hoyts Cinemas has again renewed its agreement with Carers Australia for 2023 to offer discounts for carers who attend movie sessions with the person they care for. If you enjoy the cinemas but need assistance to be able to catch your favourite flick...fear not! Pay for your entry as normal but you won't need to pay full-price for the person supporting you (friend, family member, support worker...). Hoyts are offering carers an adult ticket for $1.10 (maximum of 1 ticket per day) when acc…
Australian Carers Guide
Image Credit: Australian Carers Guide While the Australian Carers Guide does focus on "those caring for elderly loved ones", their magazines do have information relevant for all carers. The Australian Carers Guide is produced four times a year and packed with practical and helpful information.  There are different editions for each state. The Guide offers unique insights, creative solutions, and valuable perspectives that could make a real difference in your family life.  Some of t…
FND Research Project on Attention – Recruiting Brisbane Participants
David Palmer and the Movement Disorder Team at the Princess Alexandra Hospital (in Brisbane QLD) are looking for people with FND aged 18 or over who have had symptoms of FND within the last month to participate in a study of the way they control attention. The study tests whether there are differences between how people with FND and people who don’t have FND control their attention. They think that this might provide important insights into the root cause of the abnormal brain processing that…
Emergency Plus App
In an emergency, time and location accuracy are critical. By downloading the free Emergency Plus app, you’ll equip yourself with a powerful tool that will help you call Triple Zero (000) quickly, and allow you to accurately communicate your location to emergency call-takers. Developed by Australia’s Emergency Services, and their government industry partners, it takes the stress out of finding number or keypads to type numbers. The app allows anyone to access emergency numbers very easily. …
Julian’s Key Health Passport
Julian’s Key Passport was initially designed for individuals with an intellectual or cognitive disability. This passport idea came about as a result of of a young man named Julian who had a disability but unfortunately passed away in 2011 at Ipswich Hospital. The West Moreton Hospital and Health system decided to develop the passport where it has since been trialed for two years at Ipswich and Logan Hospitals. While the trial was completed in 2021, the recommendations from the trial are cu…
Companion Card – Queensland
If you have a disability and a lifelong need for 'attendant care support' in order to participate in community activities and attend venues, the Companion Card can help you with the costs of getting out and about with the support of a companion. Companion Card holders receive a second ‘companion' ticket at no charge at participating venues and on public transport. Image credit: www.qld.gov.au Image credit: www.qld.gov.au The Companion Card is valid for 5 years and can be renewed…
Queensland Community Support Scheme
If you need a small amount of support to keep or regain your independence, the Queensland Community Support Scheme (QCSS) may be able to help you to continue living safely in your home and actively participate in your community. Image Credit: https://www.disabilitytrust.org.au/ What support is available? The QCSS can help you get out and about in your community, including: shopping recreational activities such as local social groups (including FND peer support groups) or the libr…
Image Credit: https://tafeqld.edu.au/current-students/support-services
TAFE Queensland provides a range of support services for all students as well as additional supports for people with a disability. You might be thinking about TAFE studies whether you are just leaving school, reskilling to return to work or just learning a new skill for enjoyment. Supports for ALL students: Learning support is available for all TAFE Queensland students. Access help for: assignments, essay writing and referencing study skills and exam preparation English and maths …
AskJan for an A to Z of Workplace Accommodations
AskJan.org is an American website with a whole raft of information for employers and individuals on workplace accommodations. Some of the content, particularly that around legislation isn't relevant here in Australia but don't let that distract you from the resources that might help you at work. The top 3 resources are: How to have a conversation to disclose a disability or medical condition How to request or negotiate accommodations in the workplace A to Z or Disabilities and Accom…
Nature Freedom
Image credit: https://www.facebook.com/naturefreedom/photos/1379885685839357 Nature Freedom provides fun and inclusive nature experiences for young people (aged 12-35) of all abilities. Nature Freedom was founded in 2017 by Mathew Townsend based on both his lived experience, and his belief there should be improved access and inclusive opportunities for people with disabilities and/or mental health issues to allow them to participate in nature-based activities and enhance their prospects of…
Create & Connect
If you are an avid crafter or just looking for a chance to meet new people, you might want to check out Create & Connect in Aspley (Brisbane). Workshops typically run for 2 hours and every week brings a new craft and a new opportunity to meet people and have fun. With an understanding of the different challenges faced, Hayley at Create & Connect has provided an accessible space that is mobility and sensory friendly. Before you attend your first class, you will need to fill out…
Loop Earplugs (Loops)
Image credit: au.loopearplugs.com Many people with FND become more sensitive to sound. Some people can be triggered by loud or unexpected noises. Others find that busy environments such as a shopping centre or a pub can cause sensory overload. In such situations, filtering out the unwanted noise can be extremely difficult. One possible solution is loop earplugs (loops). Loop earplugs help you avoid sensory overload by reducing annoying or loud sounds.There are different loops available for…
Clock Yourself
Before trying this one out on your own, we'd definitely recommend chatting to your treating medical and/or allied health professionals. Get their thoughts on how to best introduce it into your rehabilitation treatment or everyday exercise plan. A few of our contributors regularly use the Clock Yourself App to help with balance, coordination and movement initiation. It's one of the neurological rehabilitation tools used by a popular FND-focused neurophysiotherapy clinics in Brisbane. Cloc…
Australian Disability Parking Permits
Many people with Functional Neurological Disorder experience functional movement symptoms which can affect their mobility and some experience visual symptoms including reduced vision. The Australian Disability Parking Permit Scheme is designed to reduce barriers faced by people diagnosed as having a mobility impairment or legal blindness. Permit holders are able to park in parking bays showing the international symbol of access. You can apply for an Australian disability parking permit fo…
Quiet Hour at your local Coles and Woolworths supermarkets
Image credit: Woolworths Group. If you have high sensory registration and struggle with the sensory onslaught of loud PA announcements, crashing trolleys, changes in temperature, smells from the bakery, deli, butcher, seafood and gardening sections, staff with their large oversized cages parked in aisles in the way filling shelves that you have to carefully manoeuvre around, then you might find the "Quiet Hour" offered by supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths appealing. Woolworths doesn'…
C963MR Senior man having a stroke. He is experiencing facial weakness.
Image credit: healthdirect.gov.au. One of our contributors has kindly shared this tip to help with facial droop:Try pressing your tongue very firmly to the inside of your cheek on the side that is drooping. Then while you are pressing your tongue inside your cheek, move it upwards and downwards. Then repeat this time moving your tongue side-to-side in each direction. This will help your brain to recognise and remap the drooping parts of your face and remind the muscles how to work correctl…
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