LIVE WEBINAR DATE AND TIME
Thursday, December 17, 2026 4-5:30pm CT

Note: If you are unable to attend the live event, you will be automatically enrolled in the on-demand version.  The on-demand version will be available six weeks after the live broadcast.

INSTRUCTORS (click on the name below to read faculty bio)
Sarah “Mabe” Barr, PT, DPT
Casey Vogel, PT, DPT, PCS, CCS

DESCRIPTION
More children and adults are living with congenital heart disease thanks to advances in surgical outcomes, mechanical support and medical therapies. Physical limitations remain a common comorbidity and may first appear as delayed motor skills in infants; however, decreased strength, balance, coordination and aerobic capacity often occur throughout childhood and adolescence and have been associated with diminished quality of life and psychosocial outcomes. In addition, cognitive deficits are common and impact communication and executive functioning. The philosophy of care continues to evolve to improve early development and functional outcomes in this high-risk population. Understanding the consequences of congenital heart disease on the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular and cardiopulmonary systems are necessary for individuals treating these patients to ensure outcomes are maximized. This webinar will provide healthcare professionals with an understanding of the challenges that patients with congenital heart disease face throughout their childhood and adolescence, including examples on how to develop and implement targeted screening and intervention programs across settings.

LEARNER OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this webinar, participants will be able to:  

1. Describe the impact that Congenital and Pediatric Heart Disease has on neurodevelopment
2. Define strategies to overcome barriers to mobility across age spectrums for patients with congenital heart disease
3. List ways to develop age-appropriate activity to improve function in children and adolescents with congenital heart disease
4. Identify outcome measures and screening tools to identify and track progress for patients with congenital heart disease

SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION
Participants will be present during the live webinar in its entirety and complete an attendance verification and feedback survey in the Academy Learning Portal within one month of the live air date. 

AUDIENCE
Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants and Speech-Language Pathologists 

CONTINUING EDUCATION
Occupational Therapists: Check back soon!

Physical Therapists: This online course has been approved by the Illinois Physical Therapy Board for 1.5 Contact Hours. Approval #216-000069

The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is recognized by California and the New York State Education Department's State Board for Physical Therapy as an approved provider of physical therapy and physical therapist assistant continuing education for 1.5 Contact Hours on 9/25/2026.

Many states accept continuing education contact hours recognized in other states, enabling professionals to use these hours to meet their licensing or certification requirements. Please consult your state regulations to see if this meets CEU requirements for your license.

Speech-Language Pathologists:

DISCLOSURES
Course Directors and Planning Committee Members:
Julie Lenkiewicz, MS, CCC-SLP Has nothing to disclose.
Melissa Kolski, PT, OCS, Dip MDT Has nothing to disclose.
Leslie Marriott, OTR/L Has nothing to disclose.
Selah Bustamante, MSN, RN, CRRN Has nothing to disclose.
Melissa Legreid, MSN, RN, CRRN, NPD-BC Has nothing to disclose.
Speakers, Moderators and Panelists:
Sarah “Mabe” Barr, PT, DPT Has nothing to disclose.
Casey Vogel, PT, DPT, PCS, CCS Has nothing to disclose.

ACADEMY POLICIES
For a complete list of Academy policies and technology requirements, click here.