Joseph Dutkowsky, MD
President, AACPDM

Welcome to the website of the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine. We are an academy of over one thousand people of multiple professional disciplines dedicated to the improvement in the care of people with childhood-onset disabilities, their families and communities. We are pediatricians, neurologists, surgeons, therapists, nurses, special educators, engineers, and scientists from all over the world. Together we form the pieces of a puzzle seeking to bring clarity and cohesion to the field of childhood-onset disabilities. We strive daily in our quest to perform the highest quality research, offer education opportunities for ourselves and others in the field, and work to elevate society and culture by recognizing the value and dignity of our fellow citizens with disabilities. Consider joining us as a member. Maybe you are that piece we need to complete the puzzle.

A record 955 people from 35 countries attended our annual meeting in Las Vegas in October, 2011. The theme for our meeting was "Accepting the Challenge". Over and over again I watched as members and guests elevated the bar in their scientific presentations. Our Family Forum was led by nationally and internationally recognized leaders in the field of Adaptive Physical Education with a panel discussion and hands-on opportunities for participants. We were graced by the presence of a young man with cerebral palsy who did not let his disability keep him from climbing El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. He personified our unofficial theme of "No Boundaries".

We are excited as a group of our young members is leading our academy into the world of social media. You will note an academy Facebook Page, a Twitter Account, and even a link to a YouTube video of some old white-haired guy rappelling down the side of the hotel. The bottom line is that we share a mutual respect for each other and the people we serve. When we get together, in addition to our academic pursuits, we truly enjoy each other's company whether at a Cirque du Soleil show or dancing at a Masquerade Ball.

I hope you'll take the time to fully look over our webpage. If what we do is also part of your interest and work we'd love to have you consider joining us as a member. You will become part of a group of dedicated people who through research, education, and advocacy seek to change the culture of our communities and world from one of "them and us" to one of "just us".

Joseph Dutkowsky, MD
President, AACPDM