Cerebral palsy is the most common childhood physical disability in the United States and throughout the world. To educate both professionals and family members engaged with the disorder, a whole-day event will be held by the Center for Cerebral Palsy on March 25 at the UCLA/Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children in Los Angeles. Named after a pioneer in the treatment of children with cerebral palsy, the Margaret Jones Conference on Cerebral Palsy will feature speakers, discussions, and activities designed to update attendees on the latest research and resources, as well as promote systems of community support.

The first half of the day will include a professional conference designed for physical therapists, occupational therapists, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who care for children with cerebral palsy in their practice environments. With a focus on “Early Detection and Intervention,” the session will address topics such as evidence-based hip surveillance, early identification of infants with or at risk for cerebral palsy, and physical and occupational therapy programs. Continuing medical education credits will be provided by the PT Board of California.

Following a lunch break, the afternoon will be devoted to a Family Forum on “A Celebration of National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day and our Community.” This portion of the day has been carefully designed for people with cerebral palsy, their parents, support systems, and care teams to learn about current cerebral palsy treatments and discuss other shared interests. Topics will include treatment perspectives from a clinician and parent, Cerebral Palsy Foundation resources, navigating support systems, and physical health strategies for improving the well-being of people with cerebral palsy and their families. The afternoon program will also include activities such as adapted computer gaming, Rehabilitation Services open house, and games with Angel City Sports.

The keynote speaker at both sessions will be Nathalie Maitre MD, PhD, Director of Early Development and Cerebral Palsy Research at Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Dr. Maitre is a neonatologist and research investigator with a focus on neurodevelopment in high-risk newborns and developmental interventions after neural injury. Her research is focused on neurodevelopment in high-risk newborns and rehabilitation of long-term disabilities. She is also a parent of a teenager with cerebral palsy.

Additional speakers from the UCLA/Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children’s Center for Cerebral Palsy include Rachel Thompson, MD, Director; Eileen Fowler, PhD, PT; Kristen Stearns-Reider, PhD, PT; Loretta Staudt, MS, PT, and Michael O’Hara, MSW, LCSW. The complete list of speakers and participants can be found on our registration website below.

The March 25 Professional Conference and Family Forum will be held at the downtown Los Angeles campus of the Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children at 403 West Adams Blvd. Registration is required for both:

Professional Conference https://igfn.us/form/3m8yxQ and

Family Forum https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/-nvbEQ?vid=wnrji

The Center for Cerebral Palsy is dedicated to improving motor function in children and adults with cerebral palsy and related movement disorders through a program of timely diagnosis, comprehensive assessment, and individualized treatment. It is one of the few interdisciplinary clinics in Southern California that evaluates and treats people with cerebral palsy throughout their lifespan.

About Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children

Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children was founded in 1911 as Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital and today is the largest pediatric orthopaedic facility on the West Coast focused solely on musculoskeletal conditions in children. In alliance with UCLA Health and with the support of the OIC Foundation, we advance pediatric orthopaedics worldwide through outstanding patient care, medical education and research. Our locations in downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Westwood and Calexico treat the full spectrum of pediatric orthopaedic disorders and injuries. For more information, visit us at https://luskinoic.org/.

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