Our 2014 Advanced Instructional Course was
Designing, aligning and tuning the AFO-footwear combination; a segmental, kinematic approach to standing, stepping and gait, with Elaine Owen
ISPO Australia were proud hosts of Elaine Owen on 28, 29 and 30 August 2014, with the delivery of an Advanced Instructional Course on tuning the AFO-footwear combination. The course enrolment had reached full capacity more than two months out from the event. Delegates travelled to Melbourne from all corners of Australia, with both cities and regional centres well represented by a mix of orthotists, prosthetists, physiotherapists, researchers, pedorthists and physicians – a great combination for the discussions that followed.
Elaine’s enthusiasm and energy were infectious. Testament to this was the how active all delegates were throughout the session – asking and answering questions, discussing cases and debating outcomes. No one thought it possible, but the 1.5” thick manual was fully devoured, cover to cover, page by page, over three jam packed days. Well done to all delegates – you certainly earned your certificates!
Unique to this course, was the active involvement of our sponsors. Representatives of Allergan and Otto Bock participated throughout the course and the final day included a gait lab set up in the conference room, provided and operated by Logemas. We are not only able to say thank you for your support but also thank you for your participation which made the course so much stronger.
A very special thanks to our fantastic volunteer patients, and their families, who gave up part of their Saturday to join us on the ‘catwalk.’ The children were very (mostly) compliant in a situation that not many of us could handle and it was lovely to see their personalities shine through the early nerves.
Feedback following the course has been exceptionally positive – “Probably the best course I have ever attended” – and well deserved as the convening committee ran a truly professional program. The team included Annette O’Donnell, Dave Phillips, Michael Dillon and Emily Ridgewell, under the outstanding leadership of Jill Rodda. Thank you all sincerely for the work you put in before, during and after the course.
Convening committee (L to R) Jill Rodda, Annette O’Donnell, Emily Ridgewell, Elaine Owens (course facilitator) and David Phillips. Missing from Photo: Michael Dillon.
Welcome reception in the Vestibule of the Rendezvous Grand Hotel Melbourne