APTA Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy

04/02/2026

Have a topic to share? Now is the time to submit your proposal for CSM 2027. The submission deadline is April 15, 2026 – don't miss out!

Learn more: https://csm.apta.org/programming/csm-submissions
Submit your proposal: https://apta.confex.com/apta/csm2027/cfs.cgi

03/27/2026

Mighty Networks is our online community platform designed to help members connect, collaborate, and grow. Engage in discussions, ask questions, join Communities of Practice, Journal Clubs, and participate in events and meetings, all in one place. Join today by visiting: http://apta-pediatrics.mn.co/

03/20/2026

There is a petition in place to establish a Research-focused Special Interest Group (SIG) within APTA Pediatrics. This proposed SIG will serve as a vital platform for advancing scientific inquiry, fostering collaborative projects, disseminating research findings, and promoting evidence-based practice within pediatric physical therapy. If you are interested in seeing this SIG formed, we need 100 APTA Pediatric member signatures to move this initiative forward. Please see the petition here: https://forms.gle/xJJmXNTgQscG7Pec8

03/18/2026

Big news for students! APTA Pediatrics Beyond the Read continuing education courses are now FREE for students—making it easier than ever to engage with key research in pediatric physical therapy.

Don’t miss the next course: Issue 2: Developmental Coordination Disorder Clinical Practice Guidelines. Launching April 1, learn more & register: https://appt.elevate.commpartners.com/products/pediatric-physical-therapy-beyond-the-read-2026-issue-2-developmental-coordination-disorder-clinical-practice-guidelines

03/12/2026

APTA Pediatrics is awarding TWO Research Grants (up to $10,000 each) to support one-year research studies aligned with the APTA Pediatrics Research Agenda.

This funding opportunity supports physical therapist investigators committed to advancing pediatric physical therapy knowledge and practice. Learn more and submit your proposal at: https://pediatricapta.org/members/research/APTA-Pediatrics-Research-Grant-Program.cfm

Proposals must be submitted as one PDF file to info@pediatricapta.org.
Please note: Funds cannot be used for indirect costs.

03/05/2026

Disability rights groups are organizing a national call day TODAY opposing the efforts to move IDEA programs out of the U.S. Department of Education. Given the potential impact on students with disabilities and the school-based providers who serve them, it would be incredibly valuable for Pediatric Academy members and others to engage and advocate. We encourage you to reference the script included here and call your members of Congress on March 5, 2026.

Find your Senators’ names and contact information here:https://www.senate.gov/general/resources/pdf/senators_phone_list.pdf

Find your Representative’s name and contact information here: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative

You may directly call the office of your Senator or Representative through the number from the links above or you can reach any office though the main switchboard for the U.S. Capitol – 202-224-3121. If calling through the switchboard, when you are connected to an operator, ask to be connected to the office of your Senator or Representative.
Once connected, you can speak to the person that answers the phone about your concerns. A sample script is below:

Script:

Hi, my name is _________ and I live in ____________ (City and State). I am a (parent of a child with a disability/educator/concerned community member, etc.) calling to express my opposition to the U.S. Department of Education moving special education out of the Education Department. Special education programs are education programs first and should be administered by an agency that focuses on education. Neither the Health and Human Services Department or the Labor Department have any experience administering education programs that focus on serving students with disabilities. Moving special education programs will only lead to less educational opportunity for students with disabilities.

Will the Member call the U.S. Department of Education and ask that special education programs be kept at the Education Department?

The staffer that answers the phone will reply back to you. In closing, say:
Please let the Member know how important this issue is to their constituents. Thank you for your time.

*End of Script.*

Thank you for engaging on this important issue!

02/27/2026

We are excited to announce the opening of our submission portal for Education Sessions for the 2026 APTA Pediatrics Annual Conference. The 2026 Annual Conference will take place in St. Louis, MO from November 13-15 and this is your chance to submit a proposal to present at this annual event.

The submission site is open from 2/27/26-4/27/26. Decision letters will be sent in the summer 2026. (The poster and platform abstract submission site will be open in the Spring 2026.)

To start your submission, please visit: https://s2.goeshow.com/pediatricapta/annual/2026/abstract_submission1.cfm

Looking for Ideas? The submission site contains 30 topics of interest that can help you decide what to focus your submission on.

02/27/2026

The 2026 Rifton Research Grant is open — offering up to $10,000 to support research investigating supportive positioning and mobility equipment in pediatric physical therapy.

Letter of Intent due: March 15
Full proposal (if invited) due: June 1

If you're passionate about advancing evidence that improves outcomes for children, this opportunity is for you.

Learn more and submit your Letter of Intent today: https://pediatricapta.org/members/research/APTA-Pediatrics-Research-Grant-Program.cfm

02/24/2026

Mental and behavioral health needs are rising—and pediatric physical therapists have a critical role to play.

Join us March 10th for the webinar Supporting Mental Health: What Is the Role of the Pediatric Physical Therapist?

Learn how to:
- Recognize signs of mental health distress
- Apply practical screening strategies
- Deliver low-intensity psychological interventions
- Advocate for integrated, whole-child care

Strengthen the physical and mental well-being of the children and families you serve. Register today by visiting: https://learning.pediatricapta.org/products/supporting-mental-health-what-is-the-role-of-the-pediatric-physical-therapist -product_tab_overview

02/20/2026

We’re proud to stand alongside APTA in conversations with the U.S. Secretary of Education to protect and strengthen physical therapy services for students with special needs.

APTA Pediatrics remains committed to advancing policy that safeguards access, reduces barriers and supports the clinicians serving children in school settings.

Thank you to the PTs whose expertise drives this advocacy forward.

Last week APTA was invited to meet with the U.S. Secretary of Education to discuss school-based physical therapy services for students with special needs.

Discussions focused on ensuring continuity of care for students with special needs who rely on pediatric PT services in schools.

Key issues APTA discussed:
• Concerns regarding recent restructuring to the Department of ED and its impact on critical programs impacting the pediatric population.
• The need for clearer guidance and resources for therapy providers.
• Improved information on school-based Medicaid claims processes.
• Reduced administrative burden so PTs can spend less time doing paperwork and more time with students.

APTA’s presence in these high-level policy discussions reinforces our commitment to advocating for PTs and protecting access to essential services for students and families.

Thank you to our members whose voices and expertise make this advocacy possible. 🤝

02/19/2026

The last day to register for Annual Conference 2025 on-demand sessions is February 23rd. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to earn CEUs and advance your career. These sessions are only available to watch until 2/28 so register today: https://aptapediatricsac2025.eventscribe.net/aaStatic.asp?SFP=WVBDVlFBS0NAMjI2MTBAMjAyNSAtIFJlZ2lzdHJhdGlvbiAoMik

To access the sessions:
- Once you register, login to the website using the access key in your email
- Click on the left-hand side, hover over Agenda, and select On-Demand.
- Find the desired presentation and click on the video to watch.

02/14/2026

At in Anaheim, we celebrated leadership, legacy, and what’s ahead for APTA Pediatrics. 💙

We’re grateful for the dedication and vision of Mary Jane Rapport PT, DPT, PhD, FAPTA that have guided our Academy—strengthening our mission of advancing excellence in pediatric physical therapy and shaping a future where every child reaches their full potential through exceptional pediatric physical therapy.

As we recognize the incredible contributions of our outgoing president, we’re excited to welcome Tricia Catalino, PT, MPT, DSc, PCS as Incoming President of APTA Pediatrics.

Her leadership will carry forward our strategic focus on:

• Community
• Education
• Resources
• Operations

Our Academy continues to build momentum expanding impact, strengthening engagement, and championing pediatric physical therapy nationwide.

Thank you for an incredible CSM! Together, we’re ready to make this a powerful year for our Academy.