CEU: 4 (Pre-Registration Required)
Description: This course is designed for orthotists and therapists seeking to deepen their understanding of pediatric gross motor development and how orthotic intervention can facilitate development in children with delays and pathology. It explores the development of postural control, gait, and gross motor skills in children, and examines how deficits in these areas can be addressed through interdisciplinary collaboration, thorough assessment, and targeted orthotic strategies specifically designed for developmental and ambulation levels. Learners will begin by reviewing how impairments in head and trunk control affect vision, breathing mechanics, limb function, alignment, and overall participation. Through case studies, the course will look at assessment and orthotic objectives to improve postural control, function, and participation in both ambulatory and non-ambulatory children. The course will then shift focus to gait development, highlighting how delays or immaturity in gait impact alignment, functional range of motion, participation, and quality of life. Additional case studies will guide learners in assessing pediatric gait level of ambulation and using outcome measures such as the Edinburgh Visual Gait Score, the Observational Gait Scale, and the Observational Gait Analysis for Down Syndrome. Orthotic goals and objectives will be discussed to address common challenges such as excessive pronation and toe walking across a range of diagnoses and functional levels. Case studies will demonstrate continued assessment using gait outcome measures and gross motor measures to determine the effectiveness of the orthotic intervention in meeting orthotic goals and objectives. Interdisciplinary collaboration and parent/patient/caregiver communication will be discussed to improve compliance, and a clearer understanding of how the orthotic invention can positively impact the child’s quality of life.
Note: This course will be looking at orthotic intervention from an agnostic perspective and will not focus on specific brand products.
September 9, 2026
Connecting the Chain: Understanding Whole-Body Orthotic Management in CP
This course challenges the misconception that managing cerebral plays is only about lower extremities. Effective orthotic intervention requires understanding how the entire body develops and moves as an integrated system. This course reviews how cerebral palsy can impact pediatric development and how Surestep’s lower extremity and postural control solutions can create coordinated solutions to improve postural control, gait, proprioception, and active participation.
September 9, 2026
Building Innovation Layer by Layer: Using 3D Printing to Maximize Outcomes in Pediatric Orthotics
This course explores how Surestep leverages 3D printing technology to elevate pediatric orthotic care without losing sight of what matters most: the child behind the device. Participants will learn how additive manufacturing integrates seamlessly with Surestep’s philosophy of early intervention and function-first design. Through case studies, this course demonstrates how our 3D printed orthoses are facilitating pediatric development from head to toe and maximizing fun for our pediatric patients.
