Motor neurone disease and the vital role of occupational therapists
A series of three webinars by Jenny Rolfe looking at motor neurone disease and how occupational therapists can make all the difference to people living with MND and their families.
A fourth workshop is to be delivered by the MND Assocation, during which they will explain their role, discuss the support they can provide to people living with MND, their families in Ireland, and the support they can give to you as health care professionals.
Session 1:
In this 45min webinar we will examine the aetiology andpathology involved with motor neurone disease. We will look at different types of presentations and how these differ in terms of physical presentation and prognosis. We will explore how MND is diagnosed and what treatment options there are currently. In addition, we will start to explore common symptoms which will require intervention to help manage to improve quality of life and extend life expectancy in people who are living with MND.
Webinar Parts
How health care professionals can help with the management of MND
MND and the wider multi-disciplinary team
An introduction to the IMNDA
Learning Outcomes
- Be aware of different types of presentation of MND and why this is important in relation to intervention and outcomes
- Be aware of the considerations around diagnosis and prognosis
- Have an understanding of the pathology of MND and current medication options as treatment
- Have an understanding of the role of Genetics in MND
- Have an understanding of the range of signs and symptoms experienced by people living with MND
Meet our Experts

Jenny is a senior occupational therapist. She qualified in 1997 and completed her MSc in Neuro-rehabilitation in 2007. She has worked in Neurological Rehabilitation at the Battle Hospital in Reading, and the Rivermead Rehabilitation Centre in Oxford which became part of the Oxford Centre for Enablement in 2000. She moved into the Specialist Disability Service at the OCE from where she joined the Oxford MND Centre in January 2007.
Since August 2009 Jenny has been funded full-time by the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association to develop NHS wheelchair services across the UK, to improve wheelchair provision for people living with MND.
People who watched this also watched...
How to configure a chair for my client: plus size users
In this webinar we review common seating goals and explore the additional considerations and needs of plus size users when prescribing seating. Through a live demonstration, we outline the unique mechanisms and configurable options available to meet these common complex needs within the Configura Bariatric range.
How to choose a pressure cushion for seating
Selecting the right pressure cushion is essential for maintaining comfort, promoting healthy posture, and preventing pressure injuries for individuals who spend extended periods sitting. This webinar provides a practical, evidence-informed guide to understanding different types of pressure cushions, how they work, and how to match them to individual needs. Participants will learn to assess key factors such as mobility levels, posture, risk of skin breakdown, and daily routines.
Contractures: what are they and what you can do?
This webinar explores how contractures develop and impact daily function and occupational performance. It will cover client-centered risk factors, particularly in neurologically impaired individuals, and highlight the role of therapeutic seating in preventing and managing contractures through posture support and improved function.
