Small Steps | BIG IMPACT conference 2023

As the world evolves, so too does the field of paediatric healthcare. Staying up-to-date with the latest research, best practices, and emerging trends is critical to providing the highest level of care for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. This is why we are thrilled to announce the upcoming "Small Steps | BIG Impact" conference to be held on November 3rd and 4th, 2023.

"Small Steps | BIG Impact" is a game-changing event for paediatric allied health professionals who are passionate about advancing the well-being of children. With a plethora of unique benefits and learning opportunities, this conference is poised to be an unmissable occasion for healthcare providers dedicated to paediatric care.

Keynote Speaker will be Professor Andrew Whitehouse, Western Australian of the Year (in the HBF Professions category) - the Angela Wright Bennett Professor of Autism Research at the Telethon Kids Institute and Professor of Autism Research at The University of Western Australia. He is also Director of CliniKids, Research Strategy Director of the Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC) and Adjunct Professor at Curtin University and Edith Cowan University. Andrew is the current President of the Australasian Society for Autism Research.

International Keynote Speaker Ginny Paleg will also been joining us for a live video keynote from the USA! Ginny is a physiotherapist and earned her masters in PT at Emory university in Georgia and her doctorate in PT from The University of Maryland. She started her career at NIH and has worked for her local school system early intervention program for the past 18 years. Ginny has published content focused on power mobility, standing, supported stepping, hip health and hypotonia. 

A keen advocate for evidence based practice, Ginny is a contemporary of Dr Diane Damiano, Professors Roslyn Livingstone, Egmar Longo and Ana Carolina de Campos - amongst many others! Her mantra has been a revelation to many clinicians who have been searching for the most promising of interventions and found the courage to move on when the evidence points in another direction. It's a session you don't want to miss!

In addition to our illustrious keynote presenters, we will have some of WA's very finest researchers and clinicians sharing their knowledge and expertise, including Dr Anna Gubbay (Perth Children's Hospital), Dr Sue McCabe (SleepLinks), Dr Ashleigh Thornton (Kids Rehab WA), Dr Corrin Walmsley and Dr Dayna Pool (Curtin University and the Healthy Strides Foundation) amongst many other incredible clinicians also taking the workshops.

And to close our conference we will be hearing from the incredible Emily Prior - a 16 year old high school student living with cerebral palsy, Emily has engaged with services in the community since she was 1 year of age. She has been involved in numerous research projects and now very much in control of her own journey at the services she receives.

As an ambassador for Wheelchair Rugby Australia, Modibodi, an Actor, Model and influencer, Emily is working hard to change the way disability is included and represented in the media. It will be our great pleasure to sit down with her and discuss the things that matter to her, what research and evidence means to her and what we can do in the clinical and research community to improve the way we do what we do.

It is a practical look at the implementation of the latest science, research and evidence in clinical practice.

At the conference, attendees will be exposed to the latest advancements, research, and best practices in paediatric health. The speaker line-up includes world renowned industry professionals and leaders from across Australia who will share their expertise and offer invaluable insights to enhance clinical knowledge and practice.

"Small Steps | BIG Impact" is a platform to connect and collaborate with like-minded professionals from various disciplines. It's an opportunity to build relationships, exchange ideas, and foster a supportive network that can have a lasting impact on your career.

The conference offers a unique chance to earn continuing professional development and education hours while expanding professional horizons. The sessions are tailored to meet the educational needs of physiotherapists and occupational therapists in particular but will also meet the educational needs of medical professionals working in the area of neurodevelopmental disorders. 

The event provides a space to explore innovative approaches, engage in interdisciplinary collaboration, and discuss the future of paediatric healthcare. Attendees can engage in thought-provoking discussions and discover new strategies to provide optimal care for young children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders.

The conference will be held at the Healthy Strides Foundation's technological centre of excellence - a stunning venue that's a testament to how the latest research and evidence can be integrated into clinical practice.

Conference attendees will also have access to exclusive resources, materials, and post-conference support. You'll leave with actionable takeaways and a refreshed perspective to apply to your practice.