Category: Disability & Therapy

Talking About FND — Why It’s So Hard and What It Reveals About Awareness

Living with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) challenges individuals, particularly in explaining their fluctuating and unpredictable symptoms. This difficulty, compounded by a fear of not being believed, creates anxiety during assessments. Limited awareness of FND and its complexities perpetuates isolation. Advocating for understanding and visibility is crucial for those affected.… Read More Talking About FND — Why It’s So Hard and What It Reveals About Awareness

rbakewell46Leave a comment

Sustainability Shaped by Bodies, Energy, and Unpredictability

Sustainability is often viewed as consistency in output and routines, assuming reliable capacity. However, for artists with conditions like Functional Neurological Disorder, capacity fluctuates unpredictably. Traditional models neglect factors like fatigue and cognitive fog, failing to acknowledge that these variations are not discipline failures, but part of the natural experience of being human.… Read More Sustainability Shaped by Bodies, Energy, and Unpredictability

rbakewell46

Living With FND: Three Months That Changed How I See Disability

The author reflects on their challenging experience with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), which confined them to their home for months. They highlight the emotional, physical, and financial strains of living with a disability, the profound isolation felt, and the struggle to maintain independence. The narrative emphasises the importance of awareness and compassion for those with hidden disabilities.… Read More Living With FND: Three Months That Changed How I See Disability

rbakewell46Leave a comment

Haptic Mapping: Feeling The Future Of Navigation

Haptic mapping employs tactile feedback to enhance navigation and spatial awareness, particularly aiding visually impaired users. This technology transforms map data into touch sensations, enriching user experiences in vehicles, gaming, and virtual reality. As it evolves, haptic mapping promises to integrate seamlessly into future devices, marking a shift towards multi-sensory computing.… Read More Haptic Mapping: Feeling The Future Of Navigation

rbakewell46Leave a comment

Making Sense of Space: How People With Sensory Impairments Shape Their Own Environments

The text emphasises the importance of inclusive and sensory-aware design for individuals with sensory impairments. It highlights how these individuals utilise their unique perceptions to innovate design, transforming environments into tactile, auditory, and visually accommodating spaces. Such designs enhance personal agency and comfort, promoting co-design collaboration and sustainability for a more inclusive future.… Read More Making Sense of Space: How People With Sensory Impairments Shape Their Own Environments

rbakewell46Leave a comment

What People Ask About FND: A Gentle Guide

It’s been a while since I’ve written about Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), and I’ve been reflecting on how often people—friends, family, even professionals—ask the same questions. Not out of ignorance, but from a place of confusion, concern, or curiosity. So here’s a gentle guide to the most frequent questions I hear, shaped with clarity and… Read More What People Ask About FND: A Gentle Guide

rbakewell46Leave a comment

Episode 1: Lighting for Calm — A Sensory and Sustainable Approach

This post emphasises the transformative impact of lighting on both the emotional ambience and practical use of a space. It encourages a shift from harsh lighting to softer, sustainable options that promote calm and well-being. By layering light and maximising daylight, one can enhance comfort while reducing environmental impact.… Read More Episode 1: Lighting for Calm — A Sensory and Sustainable Approach

rbakewell46

post five: skirting the norm-a tale of nails & mismatched boards

There’s a particular kind of charm in noticing what doesn’t quite match. In my cottage, the skirting boards tell their own story—three of them in quiet agreement, and one that’s decided to go its own way. The wall with the wallpaper (post-four readers) hosts a skirting board of a different species entirely. Taller, with a… Read More post five: skirting the norm-a tale of nails & mismatched boards

rbakewell46Leave a comment

quiet adaptation: a stool that works

Foldable stool tucked into a corner—used for decorating, showering, and quiet adaptation. Not designed as a disability aid, but repurposed with care. In my cottage studio, adaptation often begins with small, practical choices. This folding stool—originally designed for household tasks—has quietly become part of my daily rhythm. I use it for sitting when decorating, showering,… Read More quiet adaptation: a stool that works

rbakewell46Leave a comment