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Handling Intensive to Improve Core Stability Toward Functional Goals

Course Description

This 3-day introductory to Intermediate level workshop will enhance critical thinking skills for Therapists who are currently treating children with a variety of neuro-developmental challenges. Participants will learn to critically assess children through observation and analysis and hypothesize the causative impairments to identify intervention strategies and treatment sequences to achieve a child-specific functional goal. Foundational information will be contrasted with the challenges demonstrated by children with developmental, neuromuscular, and/or sensory/perceptual difficulties. Emphasis will be placed on therapeutic strategies and interventions of the Contemporary NDT practice model using the International Classification of Function (ICF) in handling children to gain core stability for functional goals (ADLs, play, leisure, walking, speaking and eating, etc) and improved participation (family and recreational pursuits at home, at the playground, in school with peer group, etc). In movement labs, participants will have the opportunity to facilitate one another through movement transitions and in this process learn handling techniques to facilitate functional skill acquisition. Movement/simulation labs will support experiential learning. A review of anatomy and kinesiology of the trunk and proximal limbs may be helpful before attending the class.

Participants

Physical and occupational therapists, speech and language pathologists

Objectives

At the conclusion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

  1. Explain the Framework for the NDT Contemporary Practice Model and using the ICF as it relates  to assessing and treating children with neurological challenges.
  2. Identify the current concepts of NDT to assessment and treatment planning for children with neuromuscular diagnoses.
  3. Identify and list the typical and atypical posture and mobility components required for functional skill demonstration such as ADLs, play, leisure, walking, and communication.
  4. Discuss treatment sequences for identified functional goals following observation of an instructor treatment demonstration.
  5. Describe treatment strategies for an effective and efficient sequence towards a child’s functional goal.
  6. Summarize at least 12 treatment strategies required in movement transitions and functional skills appropriate for a variety of children and a variety of ages with neuromuscular challenges.

Instructor

Jane Styer-Acevedo, PT, DPT, C/NDT, is a distinguished clinician specializing in the treatment of individuals across the lifespan who face neurological challenges. With decades of experience, Jane Styer-Acevedo has established herself as a master in pediatrics, neurology, and therapeutic aquatics, consistently delivering exceptional care and advancing clinical practice.

Currently, Jane Styer-Acevedo serves as an Active Pediatric Coordinator Instructor for the Neuro-Developmental Treatment Association (NDTA™), where she leads courses of varying lengths focused on the NDT Contemporary Practice Model. Her instructional approach is rooted in a problem-based methodology, empowering clinicians to promote meaningful functional changes for their clients.

A hallmark of Jane Styer-Acevedo’s practice is her dedication to guiding individuals from the acute phase of neurological intervention through rehabilitation and into community participation. She emphasizes lifelong health, fitness, and inclusion, ensuring that therapeutic strategies support sustained engagement and quality of life.

Moving Beyond Gait, Function in Vertical Using NDT Problem Solving

When? 24.10-26.10.2026 

Where?: Haapsalu Neurological Rehabilitation Centre Sadama 16 Haapsalu Estonia 

Investment: 350€ including materials, lunches & coffee-breaks  

The course provides 23,3 academic hours (17,5 hours) 

Learning materials: Provided by the instructor 

Additional information: jaana.vanem@hnrk.ee +372 58786975 

Schedule

Day One:

  8:30   Registration

  9:00   Framework for Assessment & Treatment Utilizing the NDTATM Contemporary Practice Model

10:30   Break 

10:45  Using the International Classification of Function in Assessment and Treatment of Children

11:30  Experiential Lab I: Proximal Alignment

12:30   Lunch

  1:30   Assessment & Treatment Demonstration

  2:30   Discussion

  3:00   Break

  3:15   Experiential Lab II: Proximal Stability

  4:30   End of Day One

 

Day Two:

  9:00   Linking Postural Control with Functional Skill Acquisition

10:45  Break

11:00  Comparison of Atypical to Typical Alignment and Mobility

11:30   Experiential Lab III: Limb Alignment and Function

12:30  Lunch

  1:30   Assessment & Treatment Demonstration

  2:30   Discussion

  3:00   Break

  3:15   Experiential Lab IV: Transitions

  4:30   End of Day Two

 

Day Three:

  9:00   Creating Motivating Functional Goals

10:45  Break

11:00  Sequencing Treatment Strategies towards a Functional Goal

11:30 Experiential Lab V: Function in Vertical

12:30  Lunch

  1:30   Assessment & Treatment Demonstration

  2:30   Discussion

  3:00   Break

  3:15   Experiential Lab II: Carry-over to Home and School

  4:30   End of Day Two