Community Forum

The AACPDM Community Council, in collaboration with the Scientific Program Committee, is holding the Community Forum in person in conjunction with the 2026 Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, PA, on Sunday, September 27, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.

The AACPDM Community Forum is an annual, free educational event designed to serve as a valuable resource for individuals with cerebral palsy and other childhood-onset disabilities and their parents/caregivers. The Forum offers an opportunity to hear experts discuss issues affecting children and adults, and to learn about new research, medical advances, and topics that promote inclusion, participation, and improve the quality of life for individuals with childhood-onset disabilities.

Register for the Community Forum here

Education Sessions

8:30 AM - 10:15 AM

Ins and Outs of Nutrition, Feeding and GI issues in CP: Solutions and Research Updates
Presenters: Rich Stevenson, MD, Marianne Jones, SLP, Judy-April Murayi, MD

This course will provide an evidence‑based overview of nutrition, feeding, and gastrointestinal (reflux, dysmotility, constipation) concerns in individuals with cerebral palsy, with a focus on promoting optimal growth, safety, and comfort. Experts will present current clinical practices and emerging research related to nutrition, tube feeding, swallowing and aspiration risk, GI treatment options, and long‑term management, followed by dedicated time for participant questions.

10:30 AM - 12:15 PM

Mind Matters: Navigating Mental Health and Building Wellness in Cerebral Palsy
Presenters: Heather Riordan, MD, Aaron Hauptman, MD, Angela Harris, Kim Hindery, Mary Ganotti, PhD, Jensine’ Clark, MD, Christine Petranovich, PhD, Erik Zimmerman

This session will provide a case-based discussion on the presentation, evaluation, assessment, and evolution of mental health conditions through the lifespan of individuals with cerebral palsy, along with a presentation of a wellness-based approach to mental health. The session will combine practical case discussion, caregiver and lived-experience perspectives, interactive audience engagement, and wellness-oriented strategies. Goals include the importance of addressing mental health across the lifespan, supporting families in advocacy, improving communication across care teams, and promoting empowerment for individuals with cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities.

12:15 PM - 1:15 PM

Lunch Break (sponsored by Gillette Children’s)

1:15 PM - 3:00 PM

Beyond the Children’s Hospital: Navigating Transitioning from Pediatric to Adult Care
Presenters: Kim Hindery, MEd, Lynne Fogel, Patty Orme, MD, Christine Cuvo, MSS LSW, Bob Stauffer, Kristin Stauffer

The transition from pediatric to adult care is one of the most complex and consequential journeys facing individuals with childhood-onset neurologic conditions and their families. This session brings together family members, clinicians, and community partners to explore what a successful transition looks like, both within the healthcare system and beyond it. Anchored by the lived experience of a family who has completed the transition, sessions will cover transition-of-care best practices and tools for providers, insurance and guardianship planning, clinical care coordination models, and the move from school to adult life, including employment, independence, and social connection. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies, practical checklists, and resources to support early and intentional transition planning. The session concludes with an extended audience discussion addressing real-world scenarios and challenges.

3:15 PM – 5:00 PM

Exploring Identity and Discovering Ability Through Adapted Sports and Recreation
Presenters: Thomas Moran, PhD, CAPE, Gavin Colquitt, EdD, Aura Shoval, MD, Dynai Eilig, MD, MBA, Joe Ewert, Jennifer Lyman, MS-HHP

This session will offer pre-conference registrants and community forum participants the opportunity to actively participate in the adapted sports and recreation activity alongside community members and athletes from a variety of local, regional, and national organization. In addition, they will and attend mini presentations in which speakers and adapted sports and organization staff describe the sport or activity, the development of their organization, their implementation model, and the evidence-based practices they use to maximize ability and access through sport.

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Welcome Reception (located in Exhibit Hall, 1 floor below Salon C and D)