Resources
Online (available to anyone):
Free Online Education (Videos)
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In-person:
Education
Educational Symposiums
These symposiums are hosted by Dr. Stuart Isaacson and serve to educate the community on the latest research, therapies, and treatments in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Leading researchers in the movement disorders field from UCLA, Georgetown, and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA, are often guest speakers. Please see the current events section (below) for upcoming symposiums.
Online Education
The new 8 course virtual series “Understanding Parkinson’s Disease: A Virtual Series For Those Living with Parkinson’s Disease” features renowned experts in the movement disorders field: Dr. Stuart Isaacson of IND/PAREF with Drs. Rajesh Pahwa and Kelly Lyons of the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas. Topics include management of PD symptoms, use of Deep Brain Stimulation and Focused Ultrasound, and tips to improve quality of life for those with PD.
Speech Therapy Education and Practice
Classes are taught by Lori Sampson-Baum MA CCC-SLP, a Florida licensed speech language pathologist who specializes in adult neurological communication and swallow disorders. She began her career working in the New York City Health & Hospital Corporation and has spent the past 27 years helping patients improve their quality of lives after a diagnosis of progressive illnesses such as PD and AD. Presently, Lori provides in-home services to patients and is an educator on the effects of speaking and swallowing following neurological diagnosis.
Wellness
Wellness Classes
Wellness classes are sponsored by the foundation to provide people with guided exercises, activities, and techniques that facilitate movement, mindfulness, and memory. Classes are offered every day of the week at the Parkinson’s Wellness Center and open to the community. Popular courses include healing through Qigong and Tai Chi, drumming and sound healing, and posture, flexibility, and balance courses.
Advocacy
Part of IND's mission is to address structural barriers that stand in the way of making preventive neurological healthcare accessible to all. Two of the most common concerns that we hear from our community are 1) the lack of insurance coverage for standard preventive neurology healthcare services, and 2) privacy concerns regarding the health data collected via this type of care. If you feel strongly about advocating for changes to laws and regulations that prevent us from addressing these concerns, we encourage you to use the template below to reach out to your elected representatives in Congress. You can find your representative at:
https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative and send a personalized email showing your interest and support for patient protection and insurance coverage.
NOTE: The most effective letters are often personalized, so we encourage you to edit the form email below. While letters do not typically make it to the representative’s desk, they are almost all read by staffers, who tally the number and specific causes their constituents are interested in. Remember, legislators represent their constituents–regardless of party affiliation–but they best represent the interests of their engaged and active constituents. Here is a possible template you are free to use–just personalize the bolded sections:
To download a PDF version of the following text, please click here.
Dear Representative [Representative's Last Name],
I hope this letter finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am a resident of [Your City/State]. I am writing to you today to express my ardent support for action on preventive neurology.
It can be helpful to personalize this letter with your story. Consider adding one of the following:
As someone with a family history of dementia, this issue is particularly important
to me.I have seen firsthand the impact of dementia on loved ones and understand the importance of early testing and intervention.
Dementia directly affects 1 in 9 Americans and impacts their family, friends, and loved ones. However, up to 40% of these cases may be preventable today.
[Add your own experience or reason for supporting this legislation.]
Without insurance coverage of diagnostic testing and clinical support, these life-changing interventions will remain out of reach for the average American. I encourage you to support the creation of CMS billing codes that will allow our doctors, hospitals, and testing facilities to provide these critical services to all Americans.
I also want to raise your awareness of privacy concerns surrounding early neurological testing. Even if they were covered by insurance, many individuals are hesitant to undergo these important tests due to the fear of discrimination, whether that is being dropped by insurance or being fired from a job. Without protections, many of your constituents will not feel comfortable pursuing care that would improve their lives. There
is precedent for this type of protection in the 2008 Genetic Information
Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), a bipartisan bill which saw near-unanimous support in its mission to ensure patients could undergo testing for genetic disorders without fear.
It is a good idea to now personalize your letter with an appeal. Consider adding one of the following:
I urge you to consider the long-term benefits of supporting patient protection legislation, not just for individuals but for our healthcare system as a whole.
Please take action to protect the rights and health of your constituents by supporting future legislation.
[Add your own appeal or call to action.]
Thank you for your time and consideration. I am confident that, with your leadership, we can make meaningful progress in safeguarding the rights and well-being of those who undergo preventive neurology testing.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Current Events
Past Events
Stay tuned for upcoming events!
PARKINSON’S DISEASE EDUCATIONAL SYMPOSIUM
PARKINSON’S UPDATE EDUCATIONAL SYMPOSIUM
PARKINSON’S DISEASE EDUCATIONAL SYMPOSIUM
PARKINSON’S UPDATE EDUCATIONAL SYMPOSIUM
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FAQ
For your convenience, our most common customer questions are answered right here. For other questions, email us at info@INDFlorida.org.
Q: Are your events free to the public?
A: Yes, all of our community outreach and educational events are free to all members of the community. We ask that you RSVP before coming so that we can ensure adequate space and plan for the event day.