There's always something happening for the chronic illness community. Here, you'll find info (updated monthly) about upcoming webinars, conferences, support groups, and more. If you have an upcoming event you'd like to include here, email me at floatlikeabuttahfly@gmail.com.
*Note all times listed below are in Eastern Time unless otherwise noted.
Upcoming Webinars:
- Thursday, October 1 | 7:00PMDiscover Arthritis: Take Control | Arthritis FoundationThis webinar will offer important information about arthritis, including its different types, as well as pain relief strategies and tools for treating and managing the disease. Learn more and register here.
- Tuesday, October 13 | 2:00PM
Navigating the Workplace with a New Disability or Diagnosis | Disability Belongs
Receiving a new medical diagnosis or acquiring a disability can bring significant changes to your personal and professional life. This webinar is designed to empower employees with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to successfully navigate the workplace, advocate for their needs, and maintain a productive career. Learn more and register here. - Thursday, October 15 | 7:00PMWhole Body Healing for Arthritis | Arthritis FoundationArthritis affects more than joints. This session explores complementary and whole-body treatments to support overall health. By attending this webinar, you will understand holistic approaches to arthritis care, learn about safe complementary therapy options and build a whole-body care plan alongside medical treatment. Learn more and register here.
- Monday, October 19 | 10:00AM & Tuesday, October 20 | 3:00AM
Rare Disease Day 2027: Launch Webinar | Rare Disease Day
Get ready for the countdown to Rare Disease Day 2027 with our Launch Webinars! We are excited to introduce our 2027 heroes and unveil our new campaign materials. These webinars will also provide practical guidance and inspiration to help you plan impactful campaign activities in your country or community. Learn more and register here. - Wednesday, October 21 | 2:00 PM
How Disability Representation Creates Opportunities and Fuels Innovation | Disability Belongs
Authentic disability representation is a critical catalyst for creative innovation. Despite more than 1-in-4 adults in the U.S. having a disability, the market for authentic stories is largely untapped. Learn how audiences are demanding and rewarding authentic, accurate disability representation across both creative and business sides of the entertainment, advertising, sports, and news industries. Learn more and register here. - Thursday, October 22 | 1:00PM
Make an Impact with Your State's Rare Disease Advisory Council | National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
Rare Disease Advisory Councils (RDACs) give people impacted by rare diseases a meaningful voice in state government, and an opportunity to help shape policies and programs impacting the rare disease community. During this webinar, we’ll teach you how RDACs operate, and the different ways that advocates can advance and strengthen the work of a council. Learn more and register here. - Tuesday, October 28 | 2:00PM
Leading the Way: Empowering the Next Generation of Disabled Leaders | Disability Belongs
This webinar highlights how employers can learn from Disability Belongs®’ Leadership Program and disability-inclusive leaders. Learn about how universal design principles, one-to-one mentorship, skill-based learning, community building, and advocacy training can set up young professionals with the experience and transferable skills to be change-makers in the workplace. Learn more and register here. - Thursday, October 29 | 7:00PMOA Basics & First Steps Forward | Arthritis FoundationBeing newly diagnosed with osteoarthritis can bring a lot of questions. This webinar will help you understand what osteoarthritis is, what changes to expect and the practical first steps you can take to manage symptoms and stay active. You'll learn simple strategies to protect your joints, improve daily function and connect with trusted resources and support to help you move forward with confidence. Learn more and register here.
Ongoing Series:
- First Sunday of the monthAiArthritis Voices 360 Talk Show | International Foundation for Autoimmune & Autoinflammatory Arthritis (AiArthritis)This show is so much more than a "podcast", which is why we call it a Talk Show. We have one main show that airs (audio & video) the 1st of each month, then we spin the conversation out to "360its", various communication methods - indefinitely - to expand learning & resource building. View (or listen to) all episodes here.
- First Thursday of the month | 8:00PMSarcoidosis Speaker Series | Life & Breath FoundationThe Life & Breath Foundation hosts monthly webinars with leading doctors and specialists. These sessions provide an opportunity to educate patients and caregivers, while also allowing them to gain advice from experts. Learn more and register here.
- Every other MondaySarc Fighter Podcast | Foundation for Sarcoidosis ResearchSarcoidosis warrior and advocate John Carlin is working with FSR to produce a podcast specifically for individuals whose lives are impacted by sarcoidosis and other rare or chronic illnesses. He’s tackling all the big topics that affect sarcoidosis patients and their loved ones from the basics of the disease, lifestyle changes, treatment options, research progress, and most importantly: the voices of those affected by this disease. Listen to all episodes here.
- Every other TuesdayArthritis Foundation Live Yes! Podcast | Arthritis FoundationThe Arthritis Foundation's podcast helps patients and caregivers overcome arthritis obstacles by offering practical solutions, expert advice on nutrition, fitness, and pain management, and a supportive community. Listeners can share feedback, tips, or episode suggestions by emailing podcast@arthritis.org. Listen to all episodes here
- (No set schedule)
Invisible Disabilities Network | Invisible Disabilities Association
Join IDA on a podcast journey as we highlight incredible stories of amazing courage, perseverance and inspiration via our InVisible InCourage Show, Learn from top experts via their IDEAS (Invisible Disabilities® Education, Awareness and Support) Programs on Brain IDEAS, Love IDEAS, Healthy Humor IDEAS, Healthy Living IDEAS and more! View or listen to all episodes here.
Virtual Support Groups:
- Every Sunday | 11:00AMMindfulness Meditation Support Group | U.S. Pain FoundationJoin us for mindfulness and meditation designed to help you learn simple meditation tools, ease pain and stress, and build a weekly moment of grounding. Learn more and register here.
- Every Sunday | 1:00PM
Creativity and Chronic Illness Support Group | Center for Chronic IllnessA peer support group for those living with chronic illness who would like to express themselves through art facilitated by Mage Carr, ATR-BC, LMHC-AS. Learn more and register here. - Every Weekday (Monday - Friday) | 11:00AMDaily Chronic Pain Support Group | U.S. Pain FoundationPain Connection, a program of the U.S. Pain Foundation, offers free peer-led support groups for people living with chronic pain. These groups provide a welcoming space where participants can connect with others who understand the challenges of living with pain, share experiences, and support one another. Significant others are welcome. Learn more and register here.
- Second Monday and Last Thursday of the month | 7:00PMDaily Chronic Pain Support Group | U.S. Pain FoundationOne popular coping technique for managing pain is creative art. The Creative Arts group provides a compassionate space for individuals to participate in instructed activities. (Check website for the activity of the month and supplies needed!) Learn more and register here.
- Second and Fourth Tuesday of the Month | 9:00PMLiving Mindfully with Chronic Illness Support Group | Center for Chronic IllnessA web-based, supportive group for those wanting to live mindfully and with self-compassion facilitated by Bartja Wachtel, MSW, LICSW, MHP, CMHS. Learn more and register here.
- Second Wednesday of the Month | 7:00PMPeer-to-Peer Sarcoidosis Virtual Support Group | AnCanWith this national online support group, you will be able to do a video chat with others who are affected by sarcoidosis and their caregivers: if you don’t feel comfortable with video, you will be able to call in also, but we do ask that we are able to put your first name in the room so we know who is talking. Learn more and join a group here.
- Second Thursday of the Month | 8:00PMDealing with Sarcoidosis Support Group | Life & Breath FoundationThe mission for this support group is to provide support, empowerment, and hope to individuals and families affected by sarcoidosis. Through a compassionate and understanding community, we strive to create a safe space where members can share their experiences, find valuable resources, and gain knowledge about this complex condition. Learn more and register here.
- Third Wednesday of the Month | 8:00PM
Body Image & Chronic Illness | Center for Chronic IllnessA web-based support group for those living with chronic illness looking to form a better relationship with their body facilitated by MSW student, Zoë Woodey. Learn more and register here. - Third Thursday of the Month | 4:30PMNational Chronic Pain Support Group | U.S. Pain FoundationPain Connection, a program of the U.S. Pain Foundation, offers free peer-led support groups for people living with chronic pain. These groups provide a welcoming space where participants can connect with others who understand the challenges of living with pain, share experiences, and support one another. Significant others are welcome. Learn more and register here.
- Third Thursday of the Month | 6:00PMSarcoidosis Support Group | Foundation for Sarcoidosis ResearchIn response to feedback received and a growing need to support patients where they are, FSR has launched an online peer-led support group for people living with sarcoidosis. We will continue to address the emotional needs of sarcoidosis patients everywhere through these virtual groups. Learn more and register here.
- Fourth Monday of the Month | 9:30PM
Living with Chronic Illness Support Group | Center for Chronic IllnessLiving with chronic illness brings many challenges, which can leave you feeling overwhelmed and isolated. Our support groups are designed to provide a safe space to meet others impacted by ongoing health challenges. Licensed mental health professionals facilitate all of our groups. These professionals offer guidance and structure, helping you get the most out of your group meetings. Learn more and register here.