This one-day program will provide an overview on optimal treatments and measures to bridge the gap and improve the quality of life for medically fragile children suffering from a wide variety of diagnoses.

OBJECTIVES

As a result of this activity, participants will:

Demonstrate knowledge of common dysmorphic features in order to identify and differentiate them in patients.
Describe at least 3 dysmorphic features using appropriate vocabulary.
Describe the basic choices involved with surgical interventions for spasticity.
Describe at least 2 medical management techniques utilized in the medically fragile pediatric population.
Identify at least 3 resources available for equipment for children with special needs.
List the process for/components of an SGD evaluation.
Name at least 3 principles for using SGDs in everyday environments.

TARGET AUDIENCE

This course is designed for health care providers interested in optimal treatment strategies and equipment to aid medically fragile children.

CREDIT DESIGNATION

This activity includes 7 hours of instruction, and attendance at the entire activity is approved by the Medical College of Georgia for 7 Continuing Education Credit Hours.

DynaVox Systems LLC is approved by the Continuing Education Board of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) to offer continuing education activities in speech-language pathology and audiology. This program is offered for .7 CEU (Introductory level; Professional area). ASHA approval of CE Provider status does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures.

PRESENTED BY
MCGHealth Children's Medical Center Department of Rehabilitation and MCG Division of Continuing Education

LOCATION

Lecture sessions will be held in the MCGHealth Children's Medical Center, First Floor Conference Center, Augusta, Georgia.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

Monday, January 19, 2009
8:00	Registration, Continental Breakfast, Vendor Exhibits
9:00	Demystifying Dysmorphology Dr. David Flannery, Chief of Genetics, MCG Department of Pediatrics
10:00	Surgical Management of Spasticity Dr. John Vender, MCG Associate Professor of Neurosurgery
11:00	Drinking from the Fire Hydrant: Medical Management Dr. Karen Carter, MCG Associate Professor of Pediatrics
12:00	Break and Vendor Exhibits
12:30	Working Lunch (Lunch Provided) Fragile Kids Foundation and Safe Kids
1:30	Discipline Specific Breakouts (select one breakout session) Speech-language pathologists: Evaluating the Special Needs Child for Alternative/Augmentive Communication and Program Implementation: Carson Cochran, M.A. CCC/SLP, DynaVox/Mayer-Johnson From Surgical/Medical Intervention to the School or Clinic: Next Steps in Spasticity Management: Janet Tankersley, PT, DPT, PCS, MCG Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy Using the Wii™ as a Tool in Pediatric Rehabilitation: Nathan (Ben) Herz, OTD, MCG Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy Parent to Parent Networking: Heather Murray and Dr. Karen Carter will lead this question and answer session for parents, help them identify resources, and facilitate their concerns.
4:30	Adjourn

COURSE DIRECTORS

Jane Willson, SLP-D, Director of Rehabilitation, MCGHealth, Inc.

Carol D. Helmerich, MPT, Manager of Outpatient Rehabilitation Services, MCGHealth, Inc.

GUEST FACULTY

Carson Cochran, M.A.,CCC/SLP, DynaVox Systems

Carolyn Polakowski

Fragile Kids Foundation

MEDICAL COLLEGE OF GEORGIA FACULTY

Karen Carter, M.D., Associate Professor of Pediatrics

David B. Flannery, M.D., Professor of Pediatrics (Genetics), Vice Chair for Education

Nathan (Ben) Herz, DPT, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy

Irene Hopkins, RN, Safe Kids Foundation

Heather Murray, Family Support Coordinator, MCGHealth

Janet Tankersley, PT, DPT, PCS, Assistant Professort of Physical Therapy

John Vender, M.D., Associate Professor of Neurosurgery

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Registration Fees
$125	For all registrations

Send Registration Form to:
Division of Continuing Education, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia 30912

Phone: 800-221-6437 or 706-721-3967

You may fax registrations with payment by credit card to 706-721-4642.

SPECIAL NEEDS
The Division of Continuing Education of the Medical College of Georgia complies with the Americans With Disabilities Act. If you require special services, facilities or dietary considerations (vegetarian or otherwise) to support your participation in this continuing education activity, contact the conference coordinator at 800-221-6437 or 706-721-3967.

COMFORT ZONE
Although every effort is made to have a comfortable temperature in the meeting room, we realize everyone’s comfort zone is different. Please bring a jacket or light wrap in case the room is too cool for your comfort.

Continuing Education Homepage | Medical College of Georgia

Please email comments, suggestions or questions to
Caro Cassels at ccassels@mail.mcg.edu

January 20, 2009

Bridging the Gap

for Medically Fragile Children January 19, 2009 Children's Medical Center, Augusta, GA

for Medically Fragile Children

January 19, 2009
Children's Medical Center, Augusta, GA