More than 800 pediatric physical therapists will attend the Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy Annual Conference (APPTAC) being held in Chattanooga from Nov. 9-11 (with preconference courses starting Nov. 7). The slogan for this year’s conference: “On Track to Excellence.”
World-renowned experts will provide educational programming throughout the conference, which takes place at the Chattanoogan Hotel and Chattanooga Convention Center. While in Chattanooga, conference attendees also will provide services to families, engage students and boost the local economy.
Following two full days of courses, attendees will have a fun-filled evening at Southside Social.
For the first time, APPTAC will feature an advocacy panel called “Inclusion: A Collaboration Between Parents and Therapists” for parents of children with special needs from the Chattanooga area.
Students also will play a prominent role in this year’s conference, beginning with Trousdale School providing musical entertainment at the opening. Physical therapy students from the following schools will be volunteering in many capacities:
· University of Tennessee (Chattanooga)
· East Tennessee State University (Johnson City)
· University of Tennessee Health Science Center (Memphis)
· Tennessee State University (Nashville)
· Emory & Henry College (Marion, Va.)
The mission of the Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy (APPT) is to advance pediatric physical therapy through excellence in advocacy, education, and research. Pediatric physical therapists provide services in many areas including: neonatal intensive care units, early intervention in natural environments, schools, hospitals, outpatient clinics and academia.
This conference could not be possible without the tremendous help provided by the local Chattanooga Task Force made up of seven pediatric physical therapists from Chattanooga and surrounding areas. Kilbrey Fowler, PT, DPT, PCS, co-chair of the TN Task Force, said, “There are no other events at the state or national level that provide such a wide range of curriculum that relates to pediatrics.”
The vision of the APPT is to optimize movement for lifelong meaningful participation of all children. Chattanooga is helping them to achieve this by hosting this year’s Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy Annual Conference.