In this episode we talk about the AACPDM Care Pathways with key folks that got them started as part of a strategic initiative, and continue to serve in important and meaningful ways in the current iteration of the Care Pathways. Listen to learn more from Darcy Fehlings, Jilda Vargus-Adams and Laurie Glader about what they are, how they came to be, what's new and upcoming, and how to get involved.

You can find out more on our website, https://www.aacpdm.org/publications/care-pathways.

Annual meeting registration is now open! Don't miss out on early bird discounts, register today! https://www.aacpdm.org/events/2026

https://www.aacpdm.org/events/2026-spring-symposium

We go back to the Archives of the AACPDM Village to hear from Past President Dr. Peter Rosenbaum. Hear about how he got his start, his hopes for future and the impact of working with families. A research partner family member shared the following reflection that stood with Peter, 'you have textbooks, we have stories'.

Please reach out to [email protected] to make suggestions or to let us know how you're enjoying the podcast.

Thanks for listening!

This episode profiles the work of Dr. Courtney Streur, the recipient of the 2024 AACPDM Research Grant (https://www.aacpdm.org/professional-opportunities/grants).

Dr. Streur's grant was titled "Advancing the understanding of reproductive health of women with cerebral palsy: preliminary evidence to tailor a novel, online reproductive health educational intervention ("Ability for Life") to adolescent girls with cerebral palsy" and the product of this work includes https://abilityforlife.org.

A conversation was started in 2022 for a Symposium offered at the Annual Meeting entitled "Inspiring and Supporting Women in AACPDM to Become Leaders". Then Dr. Joline Brandenburg assembled a panel of speakers that included Diane Damiano, PhD, PT, Maureen O’Donnell, MD MSc FRCP(C), Deborah Gaebler-Spira, MD, Eileen Fowler, PhD, PT, Sarah Winter, MD, Susan Sienko, PhD, Darcy Fehlings, MD MSc FRCP(C), and Jilda Vargus-Adams, MD. Today Joline joins once again with Deb, Maureen and Sarah to discuss topics relevant to women aspiring to leadership in our academy.

In the updates, we also noted:

• The membership renewal period is open for 2026: https://www.aacpdm.org/membership
• Awards that will be open for nominations soon: https://www.aacpdm.org/professional-opportunities/annual-awards
• Research Grant deadline coming up soon! https://www.aacpdm.org/professional-opportunities/grants
• Annual meeting prospectus is available: https://www.aacpdm.org/events/2026/supporters-exhibitors
• Call for nominations for open positions on the board: https://www.aacpdm.org/events/current-news/call-for-nominations---open

Today have the first of our Fireside Chat series -- a chance to learn more about the Academy and the people who lead it.

Act 1: we talk with Bill Oppenheim, current Historian for the Board of Directors and discuss some of the historical challenges that brought about our creation of investment funds.

Act 2: Current treasurer Mike Healy and secretary Angela Shierk discuss their roles around Academy finances and policies.

Act 3: Research chair Sam Nemanich discusses this year's mentored research grant call. https://www.aacpdm.org/professional-opportunities/grants

Please send your comments and questions to [email protected]; our next Fireside Chat will be in a few weeks!

March 25 is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day every year. This year we celebrate 20 years of this nationally recognized day of awareness and advocacy.

Now open for registration -- the 2026 Spring Symposium! https://www.aacpdm.org/events/2026-spring-symposium Learn everything we know about muscle in cerebral palsy from basic science through clinical translation.

Today's main interview is with Dr. Charlene Butler, President of AACPDM in 1995. Her passion for evidence based medicine and the importance of mobility access is evident in this conversation with Jen Lyman.

Write to us at [email protected] to let us know your comments, questions and ideas. Next week is a Fireside Chat with our Secretary Angela Shierk and Treasurer Michael Healy -- so it's the perfect time to pose a question!

In this episode we highlight the contributions and career of Dr. Helen Horstmann, Orthopedic Surgeon and President of AACPDM in 1994. She shares stories of friendship, career growth, and how she balanced family in her roles. Enjoy this conversation!

Other notes from the show:

You can catch up on several topic areas presented at the Oceania Academy Biennial meeting at https://researchworks.net. The team put together a large number of interviews and discussions on topics that were included in keynotes, education sessions, and talks.

https://www.aacpdm.org/professional-opportunities/ecourses/2026-spina-bifida-ecourse The Spina Bifida eCourse is available through the end of the month. Learn more about the Myelomeningocele Functional Classification (MMFC) from Drs. Vineeta Swaroop, Jill Larson, and Ana-Marie Rojas.

Don't forget to renew or join to take full advantage of all member benefits!

We are so lucky to have an interview in this episode of Duncan Wyeth, completed by Dr. Ed Hurvitz. Duncan and Ed discuss life, sports, advocacy, work and the power of inclusion in sports. Since 2000, the academy has had an award named after Duncan (https://www.aacpdm.org/professional-opportunities/annual-awards/duncan-wyeth-award). This award is presented to an individual who demonstrates outstanding participation in or promotion of sports and recreation and serves as a role model for people with disabilities. The award is named after Mr. Duncan Wyeth for his passion for life and for encouraging people with disabilities of all ages to pursue interests and dreams based on their abilities and not to be limited by their disabilities. Duncan is an active advocate in his local community, nationally and internationally. His enthusiasm for life, sports, and recreation is contagious and inspirational.

We also have a chance to hear commentary from Director at Large Gavin Colquitt. Gavin has been both an active member of the Adaptive Sports and Recreation Committee and now Special Interest Group, and now serves as liaison to that committee.

The AACPDM wishes Duncan a very happy 80th birthday! Thank you for sharing your story and for all of your advocacy.