- abilityNEWS
- Posts
- Today is Multiple Sclerosis Day
Today is Multiple Sclerosis Day
And a special guide for living with MS is being launched this morning
Nic Stuart
May 30, 2025
The abilityNEWS Daily
The Big Story
NZ’s version of the guide (ours is better, well, more Australian . . . )
Making lifestyle choices to live better with MS
By making simple choices people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) can take control of their health. A new guide helps by addressing a gap in accessible, evidence-based lifestyle advice.
Launched today on World MS Day, Living Well with MS is the culmination of years of feedback from the MS community. The guide responds to stark survey findings: while 96 percent of people with MS want to make lifestyle changes, nearly three in four struggle to find reliable information about modifiable factors like diet, exercise, sleep, and vitamin D.
The resource was developed by MS Australia in collaboration with neurologists, researchers, MS nurses, service providers and—crucially—people living with the disease. It draws on the latest science to offer clear and practical strategies to improve quality of life, reduce relapses, and support long-term health.
“This guide brings together the current research and translates it into real-world, actionable advice,” said Dr Jo Gamble, lead author and Research Coordinator at MS Australia.
Importantly, the guide reflects lived experience. Insights from MS Australia’s Lived Experience Expert Panel (LEEP) are embedded throughout, ensuring the advice is both medically sound and emotionally resonant.
“There was so much information out there, but I had no idea what was reliable or relevant,” said LEEP member Deanna Renee. “This guide gives us something we can trust.”
Released under the 2025 World MS Day campaign My MS Diagnosis, the guide is especially timely for the newly diagnosed—offering clarity and confidence at a time of uncertainty.
The Briefing
A Cut is a Cut – NDIS Participants Speak Out
Advocacy for Inclusion has today released a set of real-life stories which highlight reductions in supports under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The stories reveal some people report they are experiencing life-altering cuts to therapy, support coordination, psychology, respite, meal assistance and other supports with plans trimmed to the bone.
Joint letter to Health and Mental Health Ministers
By Mental Health Australia
Mental Health Australia and state peaks have urged ministers to fund psychosocial support for people outside the NDIS. Their joint letter calls for targeted investment to meet growing demand in mental health care beyond the scheme.
Without fear or favour
By Physical Disability Australia
Many disabled people feel uneasy asserting their needs to support workers due to power imbalances and internalised stigma. This article highlights how current systems fail to acknowledge trauma and ensure accountability, leaving disabled individuals vulnerable.
Google and Microsoft unveil AI tools for People with Disability
By Centre For Accessibility Australia
Google and Microsoft have announced updates focused on improving digital tools for people with disabilities, centred around AI developments. Enhancements include better screen readers, captioning features, and training resources designed to support inclusion across major platforms.
REPORT: NDIS Parent and Carer Engagement Group March meeting
By NDIS
The Children’s Pathway Engagement Group met in early March to gather views on improving services and support for children and young people. The group is providing input to the new NDIS early intervention pathway for children younger than 9 (the new pathway).
REPORT: NDIS Participant Safeguarding Co-design April Meeting
By NDIS
We talked about different ways that people experienced risk. We used an example of someone requiring supports to manage their funding to discuss how we might make sure that safeguards are proportionate and relevant to the risk. NDIA will report back on critical incident reporting process.
Thermomix pays penalties for allegedly misleading customers over NDIS endorsement
Vorwerk Australia Pty Ltd, trading as Thermomix in Australia, has paid $79,200 in penalties after the ACCC issued it with four infringement notices for allegedly making false or misleading representations to consumers online, suggesting two of its household appliances were endorsed by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
The Wrap
BREAKING NEWS: Thermomix Nobbled Again This Time For Dodgy NDIS Appliance Claims
By Channel News
Thermomix has been nobbled again by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission, this time for allegedly making false or misleading representations to consumers online, suggesting two of its household appliances were endorsed by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Disability advocates respond to police custody death
By ABC The World Today
Investigations continue into the death of a disabled Indigenous man in custody in Alice Springs. The family of the 24-year-old Walpiri man say he was vulnerable and should not have been treated as a criminal. Advocates say the way authorities interact with this vulnerable group needs reform.
Anne Ruston retains Shadow Health, Aged Care and Sport, takes on Disability and the NDIS
By The Weekly Source
The Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate will be helped in her role by Shadow Assistant Ministers for Mental Health, Zoe McKenzie, Regional Health Sam Birrell and the NDIS, Phillip Thompson, but there will be no Shadow Assistant Minister for Aged Care.
Quiz: Have any Australian television shows or movies ever featured a person with MS?
Yes. The Netflix series Irreverent consulted with MS Australia to ensure accurate portrayal of a character with MS. The movie Take My Hand is based on a true story about a mother diagnosed with MS. MS Australia noted that the movie became a unique opportunity to raise awareness and understanding of MS
The Diary
