Seventh Annual CP Course: Informed Clinical Decisions
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Click Here for Course Brochure
- This is a virtual course. Attend lectures and discussions on a live video conference platform.
DESCRIPTION
This two-day course helps clinicians improve their decision-making skills when working with people who have cerebral palsy. It covers important and complex topics to help achieve optimal rehabilitation outcomes. Day one will emphasize comprehensive assessment including selective motor control, spasticity and selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR)/ventral-dorsal rhizotomy (VDR) evaluation, vision considerations and the strategic application of outcome measures to guide clinical decision making. Day two will focus on evidence-informed intervention planning featuring rehabilitation protocols for SDR, rehabilitation protocols post upper extremity surgery, intervention strategies for ataxia, use of transcutaneous stimulation and the development of effective individualized plans of care. Ample time will be dedicated to case-based learning and structured discussion to promote reflective practice and enhance clinical insight. Throughout the course, participants will strengthen their ability to analyze complexity, select and justify appropriate assessments and interventions and deliver high-quality person-centered care for individuals with cerebral palsy.
FEATURED FACULTY
Iona Novak, OT, PhD., Head of Research, Cerebral Palsy Alliance
Michelle Jackman, OT, PhD., Research Occupational Therapist, Qld Cerebral Palsy Rehabilitation & Research Centre, Child Health Research Centre
Aloysia Leisanne Schwabe, MD, Division Chief of Pediatric Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) at Texas Children's Hospital
For full faculty listing and disclosures, see brochure
DATES & LOCATION
This course is offered virtually and will be held on July 23rd and 24th between the hours of 9:00 am & 4:30 pm Central US Time. We will use Zoom, an online meeting platform for the live sessions and all learning materials will be shared in the Academy Learning Portal.
AUDIENCE
Advanced Practice Nurses, Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Speech-language Pathologists, Physicians and Physician Assistants.
See complete accreditation details in the Continuing Education section below.
SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION
To successfully complete this course, participants will need to attend the live activity, attest to your attendance and complete an evaluation at the conclusion of the course through the Academy Learning Portal. All course work, including the online evaluation, must be completed by July 31, 2026. Learners will have access to the course materials for review until November 30, 2026 at 12 AM GMT.
LEARNER OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Identify appropriate neurosurgical approaches in conjunction with their rehabilitation protocol in order to manage spasticity and improve function.
- Describe key assessment tools and approaches for evaluating selective motor control in individuals with cerebral palsy.
- Discuss how to develop and design an appropriate plan of care based on best practice for intervention to improve physical function.
- Identify how motor learning-based rehabilitation can improve outcomes for those with ataxia.
- Summarize the relevant research associated with the use of Transcutaneous Stimulation to inform appropriate clinical use.
- Identify ways to screen and assess for cortical visual impairment in the patient with cerebral palsy to inform appropriate treatment planning.
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT
Nursing: Check Back Soon!
Occupational Therapy:
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Course approval ID# pending. This distance learning-interactive course is offered at 11.75 contact hours, 1.175 CEUs [intermediate level, foundational knowledge/OT service delivery]. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.
Physical Therapy:
This course has been approved by the Illinois Physical Therapy Board for 11.5 contact hours. Approval #216-000069
The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is recognized by the California and New York State Education Department's State Board for Physical Therapy as an approved provider of physical therapy and physical therapist assistant continuing education. This course has been approved for 11.5 contact hours on 1/8/2026.
Many states accept continuing education contact hours recognized in other states, enabling professionals to use these hours to meet their licensing or certification requirements. Please consult your state regulations to see if this meets CEU requirements for your license.
Speech-Language Pathology: