NEWS

Stay up to date on what will be taking place at the 2018 ACENA Conference.

Conference news and updates!

Are you planning on attending the 2018 ACENA conference? Whether you’re coming as a professional, participant, educator or exhibitor, stay up to date on the latest conference news.

Keynote Speaker Announced

Lynne Gauthier, PhD, Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

As our ACENA Keynote Speaker, Dr. Gauthier will be presenting on “Neuroplasticity, Rehabilitation & Gaming.”  She will also be arranging a lab rehabilitation demonstration at the conference after her keynote presentation.  The demonstration will be facilitated by her graduate researchers.

Though a relative newcomer to Ohio State, Lynne Gauthier, PhD, has made significant inroads in finding collaborators and obtaining funding to support a research program that uses neuroimaging techniques to study the clinical efficacy of constraint-induced movement therapy (CI therapy), which is used to treat hemiparesis resulting from stroke, cerebral palsy, and brain injury. Dr. Gauthier joined the faculty of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in August 2011, following completion of a clinical psychology internship at Brown University. She became interested in the clinical translation of scientific gains prior to beginning graduate school. Capitalizing on an undergraduMate career in neuroscience at Brandeis, Dr. Gauthier pursued an opportunity to work with Dr. Ed Taub at the University of Alabama, Birmingham. At UAB, she conducted research on how motor rehabilitation promotes neuroplasticity. On this project, Dr. Gauthier collaborates with Dr. Petra Schmalbrock, Associate Professor of Radiology, and Dr. Stephen Page, Associate Professor of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, to use novel neuroimaging techniques to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the clinical efficacy of CI therapy. The researchers hope that increased understanding of these neural mechanisms will allow for the development of more targeted interventions with enhanced efficacy. This research is supported by a Scientist Development Grant from the American Heart Association.

Concurrently, Dr. Gauthier hopes to increase the accessibility of rehabilitation therapies through the use of technology. She is part of an intercollegiate multi-disciplinary team that is utilizing new gaming technology (specifically Microsoft Kinect) to deliver CI therapy using a therapist-as-consultant model. The team hope that the model proves successful, thereby leading to the ability to offer telerehabilitation therapy that will harness neuroplasticity while expanding access to care for underserved populations and lowering the cost of treatment. Funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, the other investigators on this project and their areas of expertise are Dr. Roger Crawfis, Computer Science, Dr. Ryan McPherson, Electrical Engineering, Dr. Linda Lowes, Physical Therapy, and Ms. Lise Worthen-Chaudhari, Biomechanics.

A Night Out at the Ballpark

On Monday evening, conference attendees will be taken to downtown Toledo for the opportunity to watch the Toledo Mud Hens take on their in-state rivals, the Columbus Clippers at beautiful Fifth Third Field.

One lucky attendee will have the honor of standing on the mound and throwing out the ceremonial first pitch of the game. The actual ball will be personally autographed for you by the Mud Hens player who catches it!

An enjoyable and memorable party begins with the right party place. The Mud Hens have the perfect place for us. Conference attendees will take in the game from “The Coop”! You won’t feel cooped up in this outdoor party space located above the left field line at Fifth Third Field. Enjoy the ambiance and the stunning sights of the ballpark blending with the surrounding downtown features of the Toledo skyline.

The Coop is one of the most popular party areas at Fifth Third Field. Our time at the ballpark will include a meal and beverage service from the experienced catering staff. Our game day package includes padded seats directly in front of the deck.

Shopping at Historic Sauder Village

On Monday, August 27, conference attendees will have the opportunity to visit and shop at historic Sauder Village in the afternoon.

Rising from the cornfields of rural, northwest Ohio is Sauder Village… a remarkable destination offering guests experiences rich in history, hospitality, creativity and fun.

Step out of today’s fast-paced world and into Historic Sauder Village, to experience the daily lives of our hard-working ancestors. Get a taste of the Village as you visit and shop at some of their quaint retail locations, including the Sauder Outlet Store and Doughbox Bakery. Discover how families lived in the Black Swamp more than 100 years ago and marvel at craftsmen blending skill and creativity in glass, metals, fabric, wood and clay.

Attendees will learn about Village founder Erie Sauder, his life and work with Sauder Woodworking, the creation and growth of Sauder Village and see firsthand why this has become a destination of choice in Northwest Ohio.

A Tour of Sara's Garden & New Horizons Academy

After Monday’s conference registration, attendees will be transported to Wauseon for a tour of Sara’s Garden and New Horizons Academy.

What started out as a facility that treated only children with Cerebral Palsy, has grown to include clients of all ages and conditions… such as ALS, Autism, Burns, Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Lyme Disease, Migraine, Multiple Sclerosis, RSD, Seizure Disorders, Sports Injury, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury and Wound Healing.

Sara’s Garden provides clients with specialized, comprehensive Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Autism Intervention, Conductive Education, Occupational Therapy, Sensory Integration and Speech-Language Pathology services. Through these services we have been able to help children and adults with disabilities and conditions develop, grow, and achieve greater independence than their families were told was possible.

The licensed professionals at Sara’s Garden and New Horizons Academy serve clients and students from neighboring communities, counties and states through programs that are not offered in conjunction elsewhere.

Questions about the conference?

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