This on-demand course provides a comprehensive foundation in early intervention physical therapy practices for children and families. Participants will explore key components of IDEA Part C, natural learning environments, assessment and IFSP development, interdisciplinary teaming, and transitions across the early childhood continuum. The course emphasizes family-centered care, strengths-based practices, collaboration, caregiver engagement, and the application of evidence-informed strategies within everyday routines and environments. Together, these sessions provide learners with foundational knowledge and practical strategies to support effective, collaborative, and family-centered physical therapy services in early intervention.

This course will discuss the major health inequities that people with intellectual disability face in healthcare today and how that relates to the field of physical therapy. The impact of these inequities can have serious consequences for people with intellectual disabilities, particularly when attempting to compete in sports. To combat these inequities and risks, this course will review the Special Olympic Healthy Athletes program. The speaker will present various ways the physical therapy profession can contribute to optimizing the ability for people with intellectual disability to compete in sports & interact with their community successfully.

Includes Introduction to Advocacy, Taking Advocacy to the Next Level, and Advocacy in Action.