Community Forum

The AACPDM Community Council expresses its gratitude to the members and presenters who have generously offered their time to share their knowledge, expertise, and resources with the cerebral palsy community. Your contributions were instrumental in making the 2023 Community Forum a resounding success, and we are grateful for your support.

This year’s Forum occurred on Sunday, September 10, 2023, at the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab in Chicago, IL.

The AACPDM Community Forum is an annual FREE in-person educational event developed by families to serve as a resource for individuals with cerebral palsy and their parents/caregivers. It provides an opportunity to hear experts discuss issues affecting children and adults and learn about new research, medical advances, and topics that promote inclusion, participation, or impact the quality of life for those with cerebral palsy.

2023 Community Forum Schedule:

8:30 am – 9:30 am: Registration

9:30 am – 10:00 am: Welcome Message

10:00 am – 11:00 am: Hot Topics Panel

Presenter: Iona Novak, Ph.D
Topic: Stem Cells | Watch the Video

Presenter: Prakash Jayabalan MD, Ph.D
Topic: Metabolomics | Watch the Video

Presenter: Brenna Argall, Ph.D
Topic: Smart Wheelchair  | Watch the Video

11:00 am – 12:00 pm: Supporting Transitions to Adulthood

Presenter: Christina Sarmiento, MD, Physiatrist | Watch the Video
Presenter: Patti Herbst, Executive Director, Center for Independence | Watch the Video

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm: Lunch Break

1:00 pm – 2:30 pm: Mental Health, Cerebral Palsy and Psychotropic Medications 

Presenter: Dr. Heather Riodan, Neurologist
Presenter: Dr. Aaron Hauptman, Psychiatrist

2:30 pm – 3:30 pm: Adapted Sports: Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA) | Watch the Video

Presenter: Cindy Housner
Presenter: Peyton Manigo
Presenter: Mak Nong
Presenter: Margaret Beaudoin