13/07/2025
FYI - Today is Disability Awareness Day in Warrington… Disability Awareness Day ("DAD") is the world's largest 'not for profit' voluntary-led disability exhibition, held annually in a huge tented village within the grounds of Walton Hall Gardens in Warrington.
𝐈𝐬 𝐅𝐍𝐃 𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲?… 𝐘𝐞𝐬, 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 (𝐅𝐍𝐃) 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲.
FND can cause significant impairment in daily life, leading to disability in many cases. While not a structural brain problem, the functional neurological symptoms can be very disabling and impact a person's ability to work, manage daily tasks, and overall quality of life.
𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞:
FND can manifest as a range of neurological symptoms, such as weakness, seizures, tremors, and speech difficulties. These symptoms can be persistent and interfere with a person's ability to perform everyday activities, like working, caring for themselves, or participating in social activities
𝐒𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐦𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠:
One of the challenges with FND is that it is often not well understood, both by patients and some medical professionals, leading to stigma and difficulties in accessing appropriate support and treatment
𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭:
Because of the disabling nature of FND, many individuals with the condition may be eligible for disability benefits and support services.
𝐇𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲:
FND is often considered a "hidden disability" because the symptoms are not always visible, making it difficult for others to recognize and understand the challenges that individuals with FND face.
𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐜𝐲:
There is growing recognition of FND as a disability, and advocacy groups are working to raise awareness and ensure that people with FND receive the support they need
You are disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.
You may be entitled to claim benefits following your diagnosis, obtain extra support and be entitled to discounted activities. Below are some links that you may find helpful… (𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝐹𝑁𝐷 𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛)
🌟 https://www.gov.uk/browse/benefits
🌟 https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
🌟 https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/resources/resources-index
🌟 https://www.turn2us.org.uk/?_ga=2.191595117.694314719.1595936395-1011779698.1595936395
🌟 https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/tips-for-completing-pip-form
🌟https://www.fndaction.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/How-to-appeal-a-PIP-decision_March24_LR.pdf
🌟 https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/benefits/benefits-if-youre-sick-disabled-or-a-carer/charitable-grants-for-ill-or-disabled-people
🌟 https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/compare-broadband-deals/broadband-social-tariffs/
🌟 https://www.nhs.uk/social-care-and-support/care-services-equipment-and-care-homes/household-gadgets-and-equipment-to-make-life-easier/
🌟 https://www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge
🌟 https://www.accessable.co.uk/searches?query=&location_query=&g-recaptcha-response=&commit=Search
🌟 https://www.accesscard.online/apply-or-renew/
🌟 https://www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk/
🌟 https://mymaxcard.co.uk/
🌟 https://www.ceacard.co.uk/
