CP Connect: Orthotic Management - Best Practice Across the Lifespan

Children and adults with cerebral palsy (CP) across all GMFCS levels are frequently prescribed orthotic devices to support mobility, alignment, and function. However, many individuals and families are not provided with the education or ongoing support needed to optimize their use and outcomes.

Join us for an informative session featuring clinical experts alongside individuals with lived experience, offering both professional insight and practical perspectives. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the purpose of orthotics across different mobility levels, explore common types of orthotic devices and key considerations for proper fit and comfort, and learn strategies to support consistent and effective use.

We will highlight the importance of collaborative goal-setting with your care team, helping individuals and families develop personalized, meaningful goals that enhance mobility, independence, and participation in daily activities and across the lifespan as goals change.

Elaine Owen, MBE, MSc, SRP, MCSP

Elaine has worked clinically for 50 years, mainly in the UK NHS with childhood-onset disabilities in children and adults in North-West Wales. Here, she worked in a transdisciplinary team which provided ‘state of the art’ services to families. Elaine has lived experience of caring for a child with disability, who is now adult. In 2012 she was awarded an MBE by the Queen, for Services to Children with Disability, following nomination by colleagues and parents. Elaine has been passionate about the rights of the disabled and empowerment for families throughout her career. She has pioneered the use of video vector gait analysis to design, align and tune Ankle-Foot Orthoses for childhood onset disabilities and adult neurology. She has extensive post-graduate training, including diplomas in Lower Limb Orthotic Biomechanics and Clinical Gait Analysis, and has a number of peer reviewed published papers, including one on a Pictorial Tool designed for Family Centred Collaborative Goal-Setting for orthoses. She teaches her online gait and orthotic management course annually through the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, and regularly lectures to international audiences.

Declan Sweeney, PhD

Dr Declan Sweeney is a Clinical Specialist in Biomechanics and Orthotics with over 20 years’ experience in the assessment and management of complex musculoskeletal foot and lower limb disorders, as well as neuromuscular conditions affecting gait.

He graduated with a first-class honours degree in Orthotics and Prosthetics from the University of Salford in 2002, and subsequently returned to complete his PhD in 2016. His doctoral research focused on the effect of anti-pronation orthoses on lower limb biomechanics during gait, reflecting his long-standing interest in the relationship between biomechanics and clinical outcomes.

Declan’s areas of expertise include lower limb biomechanics, orthotic design and prescription, gait analysis, and the management of complex neuromuscular conditions.  His work focuses on improving gait, mobility, and overall function through evidence-based orthotic intervention and multidisciplinary collaboration.  Throughout his career, Declan has maintained a strong commitment to advancing clinical practice, combining research, innovation, and practical expertise to improve client outcomes.

Nicola Welford

Nicola is a passionate advocate and Community & Communication Officer for the Cerebral Palsy Foundation Ireland. A mother of an 11-year-old daughter with Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy, she has spent over a decade working tirelessly to improve services and advocate for individuals with disabilities. Her role as a national parent voice for the past four years has positioned her at the forefront of key initiatives, including the HSE National CDNT steering group, Family Regional Forum Review Group and the PDS Roadmap Communications & Engagement Working Group.
In addition to her professional and advocacy work, Nicola is a dedicated volunteer, having founded local inclusive sports and tech clubs, and securing over €500,000 in funding for inclusive community facilities in her area. Her efforts have earned her the County Clare Volunteer in Sports Award in 2024, the National Lottery Good Causes County Tipperary Award in 2023 and she was shortlisted for the Community Volunteer of the Year at the LAMA awards in 2024. She also collaborates closely with both Clare and Tipperary County Councils to ensure that local amenities are inclusive and accessible. With her extensive experience in both education and community development, she continues to champion meaningful change and inclusivity at both local and national levels.

Katy Gaastra

Katy is an orthoses user with hemiplegic cerebral palsy and has worn the ExoSym device (KAFO) for the last decade to manage her mobility and improve physical activity. Over the years, she's shared her experience with the ExoSym with her community and has helped dozens of patients and families discover more about the device. She's also advocated for legislative initiatives in Oregon and Washington states alongside So EveryBODY Can Move to increase insurance coverage for orthotics and prosthetics, helping more people access medically necessary devices.