Building a Strong Foundation: Optimizing function of the Whole Body Using the NDT Approach

Instructors: Monica Diamond, PT, MS, NCS, C/NDT

Level: Introductory

Target Audience: PT, OT, SLP, PTA, OTA, SLPA

Through lectures, labs, and patient demonstrations, participants will have an opportunity to develop their understanding and skill in treating the functional limitations of patients with neuromuscular system impairments, across the continuum of care. Particular emphasis will be placed on the need for an understanding of the entire body, and the development of skills in the management of multiple body segments in order to achieve functional goals of all disciplines. Labs will provide an opportunity for assessment and practice of strategies for improving patient performance of mobility and ADL activities. Problem-solving for individual patient needs will be discussed, demonstrated, and practiced.

Align, Activate, Reeducate: Achieving Functional Outcomes with the Adult with a Neuro Diagnosis Using the NDT Approach

Instructor: Monica Diamond, PT, MS, NCS, C/NDT

Level: Introductory

Target Audience: PT, OT, SLP, PTA, OTA, SLPA

Through lectures, labs, and patient demonstrations, participants will have an opportunity to develop their understanding and skill in treating the functional limitations of patients with neuromuscular system impairments, across the continuum of care. Particular emphasis will be placed on the need for an understanding of the entire body, and the development of skills in the management of multiple body segments in order to achieve functional goals of all disciplines. Labs will provide an opportunity for assessment and practice of strategies for improving patient performance of mobility and ADL activities. Problem-solving for individual patient needs will be discussed, demonstrated, and practiced.

Use of NDT Principles to Manage the Adult Patient Who is Severely Neurologically Involved and at a Low Level of Function

Instructor: Monica Diamond, PT, MS, NCS, C/NDT

Level: Introductory

Target Audience: PT, OT, SLP, PTA, OTA, SLPA

Through lectures, labs, and patient demonstrations, participants will have an opportunity to develop their understanding and skill in treating the functional limitations of patients with neuromuscular system impairments, with an emphasis on individuals who are severely involved and functioning at a low level. Labs will provide an opportunity for assessment and practice of strategies for improving patient performance of functional activities and ADLs. Problem-solving for individual patient needs will be discussed, demonstrated, and practiced.

NDT Contemporary Practice for Individuals Post Stroke or Brain Injury

Instructor: Cathy Hazzard, B.Sc, MBA, PT, C/NDT

Level: Introductory

Target Audience: PT, OT, SLP, PTA, OTA, SLPA, + any other health team member engaged in rehabilitation (e.g., nursing staff)

This seminar is designed to give participants current information about contemporary NDT and the NDT Practice Model and its application for adults post stroke and brain injury. Participants will be encouraged to participate in active discussion and lab practice in moving from clinical observations and symptoms of atypical movement strategies to the identification of the most significant impairments interfering with our client's function, key to the development of effective intervention strategies. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework will be used as the basis for assessment and intervention planning. In addition, principles from neuroplasticity and task specific training will be integrated as key elements of intervention. This information is essential to all therapy disciplines and practice settings involved in neurorehabilitation. Participants will be engaged in lab practice and observe a patient demonstration to enhance the learning process.

NDT Nursing: Supporting Positive Functional Outcomes

Instructor: Cathy Hazzard, B.Sc, MBA, PT, C/NDT

Level: Introductory

Target Audience: MSN-RN, BSN-RN, ASN-RN, LPN, CNA in Neuroscience and Rehabilitation Practice areas

This seminar will provide all levels of nursing staff, who work with individuals post stroke or brain injury, with the knowledge and skills to support their patients towards optimal functional outcomes. The information presented in the seminar will be based on contemporary NDT and the NDT Practice Model along with current information from research in neuroplasticity and neural adaptation and will focus on functional activities such as transfers, dressing, and walking. Participants will be engaged in lecture and group discussion, interactive experiential laboratory practice, and observation of patient demonstration. This hands-on, practical seminar is relevant and critical for all nursing professions in all practice settings.

Using NDT Strategies to Improve Outcomes in Neurologically Involved Patients

Instructor: Katy Kerris, OT, CHT, C/NDT

Level: Introductory

Target Audience: PT, OT, SLP, PTA, OTA

This lab-based seminar explores the assessment and treatment of adults with hemiplegia using problem- solving, the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework, and NDT handling skills. It is designed to provide hands-on learning opportunities and a chance to improve clinical reasoning skills in the treatment of adult hemiplegia, as well as those with other neurologic conditions. Information on kinesiology and current research is integrated throughout.

Using NDT Strategies to Improve Outcomes in Patients with Neurological Involvement: for RNs and CNAs

Instructor: Katy Kerris, OT, CHT, C/NDT

Level: Introductory

Target Audience: Nurses

In-patient care is our goal to encourage movement and improve independence as safely as possible for both patients and caregivers. This seminar will explore the treatment of adults with hemiplegia using problem-solving and NDT handling skills. It is designed to provide hands-on learning for nurses in the treatment of adult hemiplegia, as well as those with other neurological conditions. This seminar is 90% experimental and lab-based.

Tools for Improving Function in the Hemiparetic Upper Limb: Using the NDT Practice Model

Instructor: Katy Kerris, OT, CHT, C/NDT

Level: Introductory

Target Audience: PT, OT, SLP, PTA, OTA

Adult clients with neurological involvement want to return to independence in function as quickly as possible, yet getting an underactive upper limb to participate in higher level tasks is always a challenge. This lab- based seminar will explore the assessment and treatment of adults with hemiplegia using a problem-solving approach and NDT handling skills. Participants will experience hands-on learning opportunities and a chance to improve clinical reasoning skills in the treatment of adult hemiplegia, as well as those with other neurological conditions. This seminar integrates kinesiology and current research so treatments are outcome-based and efficient.

Neuro-Developmental Treatment for Speech-Language Pathologists

Instructors: J. Lyndelle Owens, MCD, CCC-SLP, C/NDT and Marybeth Trapani-Hanasewych, M.S., CCC-SLP, C/NDT

Level: Introductory

Target Audience: SLP

This seminar is designed for the therapist who has experience applying the core information from our Speech- Language Pathology programs. This seminar is aimed for the therapist treating Older Teenagers and Adults who have experienced Brain Injury or CVA. Have you ever asked “I know what I want to happen? But, the patient can’t do what I demonstrate or ask them to do.” If so, this is the seminar for you. As instructors in the NDT philosophy and analysis of motor movement, we treat the body holistically. Treating the systems involved in swallowing and breathing requires understanding the influences of the whole body. The instructor will provide a new set of tools for analysis of movement and treating patients with swallowing and respiratory issues. Seminar will also be focused on handling techniques to facilitate shaping of the tongue, bolus propulsion, swal- lowing, respiration and phonatory control through facilitation of both body and speech/swallow mechanisms.

Developing Movement Strategies for Function in Adults with Stroke and Brain Injury – An introduction to the Contemporary Practice of NDT

Instructor: Jodi A. Renard, PT, DPT, C/NDT, CBIS

Level: Introductory

Target Audience: PT, OT, SLP, PTA, OTA, SLPA

During this seminar, the participant will learn about the principles and strategies of the Contemporary Practice of NDT as currently applied to adults with impairments resulting from stroke or traumatic brain injury. The emphasis will be on improving movement analysis skills during meaningful, functional tasks and the application of tactile feedback to enhance effective movement strategies for successful completion of meaningful, functional tasks. The seminar emphasizes a problem-solving approach to integrated patient assessment based on an understanding of functional limitations, system impairments and motor dysfunction. The information presented includes a discussion of the following topics: research supporting neurorecovery and neuroplasticity; identification of treatment variables that promote neuroplastic changes; and the application of complimentary treatment strategies to enhance functional outcomes. The course includes videotape presen- tations and a patient treatment demonstrated by the instructor. Therapeutic handling techniques utilized in treatment to address motor dysfunction will be demonstrated and practiced in interactive problem-solving laboratory session.

Neurological Gait Assessment and Training: An Introduction to the Contemporary Practice of NDT Beyond Standing

Instructor: Jodi A. Renard, PT, DPT, C/NDT, CBIS

Level: Introductory

Target Audience: PT, OT, SLP, PTA, OTA, SLPA

During this seminar, the participant will learn about the principles and strategies of the Contemporary Practice of NDT as currently applied to adults with impairments resulting from stroke or traumatic brain injury during functional tasks in standing and gait activities. Both typical gait and hemiplegic gait analysis will be reviewed including biomechanical requirements and movement components necessary for postural control in standing. Introduction to treatment strategies and treatment progressions for pre-gait and gait activities will be discussed. The roles of the upper extremities and integration of the upper extremities in functional standing and gait will be addressed. The seminar consists of a lecture and patient video presentation; interactive problem-solving laboratory sessions; and handling skills practice sessions used to enhance function.

Treatment of the Hemiplegic Upper Extremity in Function: A Contemporary Practice of NDT Course

Instructor: Jodi A. Renard, PT, DPT, C/NDT, CBIS

Level: Introductory

Target Audience: PT, OT, SLP, PTA, OTA, SLPA

During this seminar, the participant will learn about the principles and strategies of the Contemporary Practice of NDT along with current Evidence-Based Clinical Practice for adults with impairments resulting from stroke or traumatic brain injury. Clinical assessment and treatment strategies presented will be based on an under- standing of the biomechanics and kinesiology of the shoulder girdle complex, postural control requirements for function and upper extremity task analysis. The participant will learn to identify (multi-system) impairments and utilize appropriate movement strategies for optimal treatment results. The seminar includes lecture, videotape presentations and a patient treatment demonstrated by the instructor to demonstrate the interactive process between task analysis and treatment intervention for the upper extremity in relation to the functional postural requirements. Therapeutic handling techniques utilized in treatment to address motor dysfunction will be demonstrated and practiced in interactive problem-solving laboratory sessions. The development of fine motor control of the hand is outside the scope of this introductory course.

Treatment Strategies for the Low Functioning Patient: An Introduction to the Contemporary Practice of NDT

Instructor: Jodi A. Renard, PT, DPT, C/NDT, CBIS

Level: Introductory

Target Audience: PT, OT, SLP, PTA, OTA, SLPA

During this seminar, the participant will learn about the principles and strategies of the Contemporary Practice of NDT as currently applied to adults with profound impairments resulting from stroke or traumatic brain injury. The emphasis will be on improving early mobility from the bed, seated postural balance and early tran- sitional movement skills during meaningful, functional tasks and the application of tactile feedback to enhance effective movement strategies for successful completion of meaningful, functional tasks. The seminar empha- sizes a problem-solving approach to integrated patient assessment based on an understanding of functional limitations, system impairments and motor dysfunction. The information presented includes a discussion of the following topics: contraversive pushing behavior along with research supporting neurorecovery and neuro- plasticity and the identification of treatment variables that promote neuroplastic changes. The seminar includes lecture and interactive problem-solving laboratory sessions to practice therapeutic handling techniques to optimize treatment activities to address motor dysfunction.