Using the NDTA Contemporary Practice Model to Facilitate Functional Shifts in Children with Significant Physical Challenges
Course Description
The task of integrating aspects of postural control, alignment, and respiration in the completion of functional activities can be a challenge for all therapy disciplines working with individuals with cerebral palsy and other neuromuscular disorders. This introductory level course is designed for physical and occupational therapists and speech and language pathologists and those assistants who currently work with or desire to work with children presenting with neurological challenges that have resulted in significant physical challenges. Learning about the NDTATM Contemporary Practice Model and applying it through observation of assessment and treatment demonstrations with practice of treatment strategies in labs will more directly impact postural control and coordination, alignment of body segments and support dynamic postural activity, stability, and control. Functional goals and shifts in function will be explored for children with significant physical challenges with emphasis on how they might help the caregiver help them.
Participants
Physical and occupational therapists and speech and language pathologists who currently work with or desire to work with children presenting with neurological challenges that have resulted in significant physical challenges.
Objectives
At the conclusion of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Explain the Theoretical Basis for the NDTATM Contemporary Practice Model as it relates to their clinical practice.
- Identify the essential postural, neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, and sensory/perceptual elements necessary to gain postural control for identified functional goals for a client.
- Identify the missing elements for improving function in clients neuromuscular and sensorimotor challenges through observation of instructor demonstrations.
- Recognize the motor and sensory foundations for the use of the trunk, head/neck, legs, arms and hands for transitions and support.
- Describe & facilitate a minimum of ten treatment strategies on another adult or doll that may be utilized to increase rib cage mobility and expansion, spinal and head/neck alignment, abdominal activity, shoulder & pelvic girdle stability, and balance of flexor/extensor synergies to support the caregiver.
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? 20.10-22.10.2026
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 the NDT Contemporary Practice Model
10:15 Use of the International Classification of Function (ICF) for Assessment & Treatment Towards a Functional Goal
10:45 Break
11:00 Postural Control and Its Impact on Daily Function
12:30 Lunch
1:30 Child Assessment and Treatment Demonstration:
2:30 Discussion
2:45 Break
3:00 Experiential Lab for Ribcage and Respiratory Function
4:30 End of Day One
Day Two
9:00 Planning Treatment According to Discipline Specific Functional Goals
9:45 Biomechanical Requirements for Use of Lower Limbs for Support and Mobility
11:00 Break
11:15 Experiential Lab for Core Strengthening
12:30 Lunch
1:30 Child Assessment and Treatment Demonstration
2:30 Discussion
3:00 Break
3:15 Experiential Lab for Extremity Mobility
4:30 End of Day Two
Day Three
9:00 Biomechanical Requirements for Use of Lower Limbs for Support and Mobility (Continued)
10:45 Break
11:00 Experiential Lab for Foot Mobility and Stability
12:00 Use of Orthotics and Adjuncts
12:30 Lunch
1:30 Child Assessment and Treatment Demonstration
2:30 Discussion
3:00 Break
3:15 Experiential Lab
4:15 Questions / Discussion
4:00 End of Course