COURSE · PART 5 · MODULE 20
Module 20 — Work, Disability, and Community Participation
Paid work can matter deeply, but it is not a test of recovery or worth. Some people can continue with changes; some cannot work or study; some contribute in other ways.
In this module
- Match accommodations to actual task barriers and variable capacity.
- Describe function in concrete terms without exaggerating or minimizing.
- Keep belonging, purpose and care available when paid work is not.
Work research in FND is limited and often concerns functional seizures or specialist samples. It nevertheless documents substantial work difficulty and disability; inability to work must not be treated as lack of effort. [1][2]
Pages
- Work, School, and Accommodations — change a task or setting and recognize when participation is not possible.
- Community Participation and Meaningful Roles — define participation more widely than paid productivity.
- Describe Variable Function for Accommodations and Benefits — explain reliability, safety, recovery time and help needed.
Inside each page: Person with FND · Supporters · Clinicians · Research
Research and Sources
| Citation | Full citation |
|---|---|
| [1] | Woodward J, Guler S, Balcer LJ, et al. Work difficulties, work restrictions, and disability benefits in people with functional seizures: a survey study. Epilepsy & Behavior Reports. 2023;23:100610. FND-CIT-0084. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ebr.2023.100610 |
| [2] | Moss RSL, Lennon MJ, Anne S, et al. Disability, distress and delayed access to care in functional neurological disorder: cross-sectional study from an Australian tertiary clinic. BJPsych Open. 2026;12(3):e128. FND-CIT-0090. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjo.2026.11038 |
This overview still needs review by workers, students, people unable to work, educators, vocational and disability specialists, and advocates from several jurisdictions.
Plain-language draft and research package prepared: September 8, 2026 · Clinical review pending