Spinal Cord Injuries

Conference Overview

Highlights and Benefits

During the past decade, we have witnessed profound changes in physical medicine & rehabilitation driven by advances in technology and research discoveries in the field of neuroscience. At the same time, challenges in healthcare reimbursement are creating changes in the ways we are able to address the rehabilitation of persons with SCI. New protocols, equipment and improved assessment techniques contribute to extended longevity for persons with SCI and our need to stay constantly updated. Now in its 18th year, Spinal Cord Injuries offers a multidisciplinary perspective and a nationally-recognized faculty to bring you the latest research and clinical best practice to ensure quality of life for survivors of this life altering condition. This educational opportunity will assist healthcare professionals in providing state-of-the-art care along the continuum for individuals with SCI.

Benefits of this Conference include:

• Interactive sessions for advancing your skill competency.
• Two Pre-Conferences for a comprehensive look at “Management of the Bariatric Person with SCI” and “Advances in Neurotechnology for Individual with SCI”.
• 20 Concurrent Sessions to choose from to help you design a program to meet your specific needs.
• Boston in the Spring, home to Harvard and the history that surrounds the birth of our nation.

This is your opportunity to network and take home information that you can use at work and share with your colleagues. Once you have reviewed the objectives and the exciting topics in this program, we know you will plan to attend this outstanding educational experience.

Planning Committee

Carole Adler, BA, OTL, ATP
Sharon L. Blackburn, BS, PT
Steven Kirshblum, MD
Kathleen Klerk, BS, PT
Kevin O’Connor, MD
Diane M. Rowles, MS, ACNP-BC, CRRN
Gabriella Stiefbold, OTR, ATP
Deborah Ann Woodbury, BSN, RN
Julie Malone, MA, RN
Program Manager • Contemporary Forums

Conference Objectives

Upon completion, participants will be able to:

• Discuss ways to set up a successful continuity of care process for person with SCI in today’s healthcare environment.
• Discuss key aspects of SCI community integration.
• Identify new avenues of research that are impacting the rehabilitation of persons with SCI.
• Examine secondary issues to be assessed and treated for persons with SCI.
• Discuss issues specific to women with SCI.
• Describe methods of preventing assessing and treating infection for persons with SCI.

Who Should Attend?

• Physicians
• Physical Therapists
• Occupational Therapists
• Registered Nurses
• Psychologists
• Speech Pathologists
• Social Workers
• Recreational Therapists
• Case Managers
• Certified Disability Management Specialists
• Certified Rehabilitation Counselors
• Life Care Planners
• Neuropsychologists
• Special Educators

Conference Program

Wednesday, May 12 | Thursday, May 13 | Friday, May 14 | Saturday, May 15

Pre-Conference A

Management of the Bariatric Individual with SCI

Wednesday, May 12 - Morning

This half day session will provide the audience with a comprehensive overview of the unique needs of the bariatric individual presenting with a spinal cord injury (SCI). Discussion will address how to work with these clients including adapting techniques and protocols as well as equipment needs. Accessability issues for services, driving, public transportation and other strategies to assist these individuals to meet their SCI related goals will also be explored. The role of therapy and nursing will be discussed, including treatment interventions for the bariatric patient, goal setting and choosing appropriate equipment in order to meet the unique needs of the bariatric population.

Objectives

Upon completion of this course, you’ll be able to:

• Identify the frequency of obesity in the bariatric individual with SCI, including secondary issues that shorten the lifespan for the bariatric person with SCI.
• Explore techniques and equipment adaptations that might be useful in related to team rehab interventions, goal setting and equipment management, investigating accessability for the obese individual with SCI.
• Describe the impact of health professionals “attitudes” towards obesity and motivational strategies that might move clients on a wellness/ exercise trajectory.
• Discuss adaptations for nursing interventions in managing the bariatric person with SCI.
  

7:00 a.m.	Pre-Conference A Registration • Check-In
8:00	Objectives and Overview of the Session
8:10	Medical Overview of Obesity and SCI: Dietary Management and Expected Outcomes David R. Gater, Jr., MD, PhD
9:15	Therapeutic Management of the Bariatric SCI Patient: Adaptive Techniques, Equipment Needs and Accessibility Interventions for Optimal Patient Outcomes Gabriella Stiefbold, OTR, ATP
10:30	Refreshment Break
10:45	Practical Approaches to Adapting Nursing Care for the Bariatric Individual with SCI Michele D. Russell, BS, RN
11:30	Gaining Altitude: Strategies for Optimal Health and Wellness of the Bariatric Client Theresa M. Chase, ND, MA, RN
12:00 p.m.	Questions and Discussion Faculty Panel
12:15	Adjourn

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Pre-Conference B

Advances in Neurotechnology for Persons with SCI

Wednesday, May 12 - Afternoon

Electrical stimulation has been available for decades, but new applications have emerged in the world of neurotechnology. Learn how using these technologies can improve outcomes for your patients and build efficiencies in your practice. Neurotechnology devices provide a unique avenue for promoting wellness, accelerating rehabilitation, provide additional daily function and preventing the onset of secondary conditions. This session will provide a forum to learn about the growing field of neurotechnology and applications for SCI and your clients.

Objectives

Upon completion of this course, you’ll be able to:

• Identify the four different categories of neurotechnology devices and applications specific to spinal cord injury population.
• Describe the implementation of an FES exercise program along with the rehabilitative and physiological impact to persons with spinal cord injury.
• Assess the applications of and potential patient outcomes for neurotechnology devices in the areas of neural prosthesis, adaptive neural systems and functional electrical stimulation applications.
• Evaluate information resources available to rehabilitation professionals to enhance clinical practice for persons with SCI.

12:00 p.m.	Pre-Conference B Registration • Check-In
1:00	Introduction and Overview of Neurotechnology Jennifer French, MBA
1:15	FES Cycling Program in Practice: One Center’s Experience Kelly Root, MSPT
1:45	FES Rowing for Exercise J. Andrew Taylor, PhD
2:15	Refreshment Break
2:30	Adaptations in the FES Device and in the Nervous System James J. Abbas, PhD
3:30	FES Applications for Spinal Cord Injury P. Hunter Peckham, PhD
4:30	Questions and Discussion Faculty Panel
5:00	Adjourn

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Main Conference

Thursday, May 13

7:00 a.m.	Main Conference Registration Check-In • Exhibits
8:00	New Research Findings in SCI Steve Kirshblum, MD
8:45	An Overview of Implantable FES Devices P. Hunter Peckham, PhD
9:30	Refreshment Break • Exhibits
10:00	Panel Presentation: How to Set Up a Successful Continuum of Care Program for Persons with SCI in Today’s Health Care Environment Moderator: Deborah Ann Woodbury, BSN, RN The Impact of Health Care Reform on the Needs of Individuals with SCI David E. Storto Team Documentation to Support Acute Rehabilitation Length of Stay Carole Adler, BA, OTL, ATP Community First 1115 Waiver Through CMS Charles Carr
11:00	The Dual Diagnosis of Spinal Cord and Brain Injury: Timing Interventions to Maximize Outcomes Ross Zafonte, DO
11:45	Questions and Discussion Faculty Panel
12:15 p.m	Lunch Break
1:45	Metabolic Syndrome: Obesity, Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes David R. Gater, Jr., MD, PhD
2:30	The New Demographic: Special Considerations of the Newly Injured Older Adult with a Spinal Cord Injury Kevin O’Connor, MD
3:15	Refreshment Break • Exhibits
3:45	The Latest in Wheelchair Technology: From Equipment to Training and Assessment Michael L. Boninger, MD
4:30	Questions and Discussion Faculty Panel
5:00	Adjourn
5:15 - 10:00 p.m	TROLLEY TOUR OF BOSTON Reservations required. On Thursday evening, you can board the Old Town Trolley for a special tour through Boston’s historic past and urban present. The trolley will depart from the hotel at 5:30 p.m. and take you past the charming sites of Boston including the Boston Common, the Bunker Hill Monument, the site of the Boston Massacre, and much, much more. A stop at Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall will allow you time to select from many fine restaurants for dinner and to do some shopping. The tour will continue after dinner and return you to the hotel by 9:30 p.m. Tickets for the Old Town Trolley Tour of Boston are $34 (which does not include the cost of dinner) and may be purchased when registering for the Conference. Reservations must be received by April 13. No refunds given after that date. If a minimum number of reservations is not received, this tour is subject to cancellation. If you require special arrangements for this tour, please call (800) 377-7707, Ext. 5252, also at least 30 days prior to the Conference.

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Friday, May 14

7:00 a.m.	Exhibits
8:00	CONCURRENT SESSION #1 #11 Preserving Upper Limb Function: Clinical Practice Guidelines and Beyond Michael L. Boninger, MD #12 Exercise and Fitness: Prescribing Exercise Strategies that Fit Your Patients Needs Jane L. Wetzel, PhD, PT #13 Infection Control and Prevention: Considerations for Rehabilitation Best Practice Jaye E. Hefner, MD #14 Osteoporosis Following SCI David R. Gater, Jr., MD, PhD
9:15	Room Change Break
9:30	CONCURRENT SESSIONS #2 #21 “The Right Fit”: Seating and Positioning for People with Spinal Cord Injury Through the Continuum of Care Mary Shea, MA, OTR, ATP #22 Bowel and Bladder Care: Matching Techniques to Functional Ability, Staging for Initial Discharge and Follow Up Needs Diane M. Rowles, MS, ACNP-BC, CRRN #23 The ASIA Classification Steven Kirshblum, MD #24 Spasticity Management and SCI Kevin O’Connor, MD
10:45	Refreshment Break • Exhibits
11:15	CONCURRENT SESSIONS #3 #31 Difficult Cases in SCI Classification Steven Kirshblum, MD #32 Home Assessment and Accessibility Options for a Successful Discharge Home Gabriella Stiefbold, OTR, ATP #33 We’ve Gone to the Dogs: A Service Dog as a Member of the Rehab Team Carole Adler, BA, OTL, ATP #34 Respiratory Treatment Strategies for Persons with SCI Jane L. Wetzel, PhD, PT
12:30 p.m.	Lunch Break Product Demonstrations and In-Service Training (Exhibit Hall) Mobility, seating, transfer, assistive technologies, computer/software and other equipment require much more time to be demonstrated and understood than other types of products. Please join us in the Exhibit hall for a valuable opportunity to learn how to use new equipment demonstrated by exhibitors. See their products in action at this special non-CE session.
2:00	CONCURRENT SESSIONS #4 #41 Predicting Neurological Recovery Following SCI Steven Kirshblum, MD #42 Sexual Health Education: How to Approach the Subject with Your Clients Theresa M. Chase, ND, MA, RN #43 Mobility Progression/Transfers for the C-6 Tetraplegic Sharon L. Blackburn, BS, PT Kathleen Klerk, BS, PT #44 Clinical Application of Interface Pressure Mapping Mary Shea, MA, OTR, ATP
3:15	Refreshment Break • Exhibits
3:45	CONCURRENT SESSIONS #5 #51 Neuropathic Pain Management Including Data Sets R. Norman Harden, MD #52 Integrating Mind, Body and Spirit into the Process of Learning: An Experiential Approach Theresa M. Chase, ND, MA, RN #53 Transfers for the Dependent Tetraplegic Sharon L. Blackburn, BS, PT Kathleen Klerk, BS, PT #54 Evidence-Based Wheelchair Skills Training Gabriella Stiefbold, OTR, ATP
5:00	Adjourn

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Saturday, May 15

8:00 a.m.	New Findings on the Pathophysiology of Neuropathic Pain R. Norman Harden, MD
8:45	Women’s Issues and Health After SCI Diane M. Rowles, MS, ACNP-BC, CRRN
9:30	Adjusting to Spinal Cord Injury: Treating the Psychological Sequelae of SCI Christopher G. Carter, PsyD
10:15	Refreshment Break
10:45	Maximizing SCI Rehabilitation Options Through Consumer and Provider Collaboration David Estrada, JD Michael Ferriter, MSW Deborah Ann Woodbury, BSN, RN
11:30	Questions and Discussion Faculty Panel
12:00 p.m.	Conference Summary and Evaluation
12:15	Adjourn

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Acknowledgements

Contemporary Forums expresses appreciation to the following institutions for their contributions to program development:

• Chicago Institute of Rehabilitation
• Craig Hospital
• Jackson Memorial Hospital
• Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation
• Santa Clara Valley Medical Center
• Spaulding Rehabilitation Network

Faculty

James J. Abbas, PhD Co-Director, Center for Adaptive Neural Systems School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering Arizona State University Tempe, Arizona	Kathleen Klerk, BS, PT Program Planning Committee Member Assistant Chief, Spinal Cord Injury and Neurotrauma Rehab Units Jackson Memorial Hospital Miami, Florida
Carole Adler, BA, OTL, ATP Planning Consultant Rehabilitation Case Manager, Spinal Cord Injury Santa Clara Valley Medical Center San Jose, California	Kevin O'Connor, MD Program Planning Committee Member Medical Director Spinal Cord Injury Program Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Network Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Harvard Medical School Cambridge, Massachusetts
Sharon L. Blackburn, BS, PT Program Planning Committee Member Physical Therapist Craig Hospital Englewood, Colorado	P. Hunter Peckham, PhD Director, Cleveland FES Center Case Western Reserve University Cleveland, Ohio
Michael L. Boninger, MD Professor and Chair Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Associate Dean, Medical Student Research School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Director VA Center of Excellence in Wheelchairs and Related Technology Department for Veterans Affairs Director, Institute for Rehabilitation and Research Pittsburg, Pennsylvania	Kelly Root, MSPT Coordinator, FES Program Craig Hospital Englewood, Colorado
Charles Carr Commissioner: Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission Boston, Massachusetts	Diane M. Rowles, MS, ACNP-BC, CRRN Program Planning Committee Member Nurse Practitioner, Spinal Cord Injury Program Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago Assistant Professor, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago, Illinois
Christopher G. Carter, PsyD Director, Behavior Medicine Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Psychologist, Department of Psychiatry Massachusetts General Hospital Clinical Instructor, Psychology School of Medicine, Harvard University Boston, Massachusetts	Michele D. Russell, BS, RN RN Proficient - Spinal Cord Injury Unit Kessler Institute of Rehabilitation West Orange, New Jersey
Theresa M. Chase, ND, MA, RN Patient and Family Education Program Coordinator Craig Hospital Englewood, Colorado	Mary Shea, MA, OTR, ATP Clinical Manager, Wheelchair Clinic Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation West Orange, New Jersey
David Estrada, JD Executive Director, Greater Boston Chapter, NSCIA National Spinal Cord Injury Association Boston, Massachusetts	Gabriella Stiefbold, OTR, ATP Program Planning Committee Member Clinical Manager Inpatient Occupational Therapy Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation West Orange, New Jersey
Michael Ferriter, MSW President, Greater Boston Chapter, NSCIA National Spinal Cord Injury Association Boston, Massachusetts	David E. Storto President of Partners Continuing Care & Spaulding Rehabilitation Network Boston, Massachusetts
Jennifer French, MBA Executive Director, Neurotech Network Tampa, Florida	J. Andrew Taylor, PhD Director, Cardiovascular Research Laboratory Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Associate Professor Harvard Medical School Boston, Massachusetts
David R. Gater, Jr., MD, PhD Chief, Spinal Cord Injury & Disease Department of Veterans Affairs Hunter Holmes McGuire Medical Center Spinal Cord Injury & Disorders Service Professor, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Virginia	Jane L. Wetzel, PhD, PT Associate Professor, Department of Physical Therapy College of Health and Human Services Youngstown State University Youngstown, Ohio Consultant, Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Veterans Administration Hospital, Pittsburgh Casual Physical Therapist Centers for Rehabilitation Services University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hospitals-Presbyterian Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
R. Norman Harden, MD Director, Center for Pain Studies The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago Associate Professor Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine Northwestern University Addison Chair in Pain Studies Chicago, Illinois	Deborah Ann Woodbury, BSN, RN Program Planning Committee Member Program Co-Director for Spinal Cord Injury Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Boston, Massachusetts
Jaye E. Hefner, MD Associate Physician in Internal Medicine Massachusetts General Hospital Associate Physician in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation President, Medical Staff Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Boston, Massachusetts	Ross Zafonte, DO Vice President of Medical Affairs, Education & Research Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Chief, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Massachusetts General Hospital Professor and Chairman Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Harvard Medical School Earle P. and Ida S. Professorship Boston, Massachusetts
Steven Kirshblum, MD Program Planning Committee Member Medical Director Director, Spinal Cord Injury Program Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation West Orange, New Jersey Professor, Medicine School University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ)

Accreditation

A Certificate of Attendance will be given upon completion of course requirements, enabling you to register your credit with the appropriate licensing boards or associations. You may apply for other accreditation using the procedure established by the specific organization. Additional brochures and evaluation forms can be provided upon request. Please contact your board directly if it is not listed below to determine how to receive credit for this Conference.

1 Hour = .1 CEU
1 CEU = 10 Hours

NURSES AND NURSE PRACTITIONERS

Contemporary Forums is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. Contemporary Forums, Provider #04516, is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. All state boards accept California BRN credit for license renewal.

Pre-Conference A: 4.0 ANCC contact hours
4.8 CA BRN contact hours
Pre-Conference B: 3.75 ANCC contact hours
4.5 CA BRN contact hours
Main Conference: 16.5 ANCC contact hours
19.8 CA BRN contact hours

PHYSICAL THERAPISTS

Application has been made to the Alabama Physical Therapy Association for the listed hours.

Pre-Conference A: 4 hours
Pre-Conference B: 3.75 hours
Main Conference: 16.5 hours

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS

This program is approved by Contemporary Forums, American Occupational Therapy Association Approved Provider #3273. Assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products or clinical procedures by AOTA.

Pre-Conference A: .4 CEUs
Pre-Conference B: .375 CEUs
Main Conference: 1.65 CEUs

SPEECH PATHOLOGISTS

Contemporary Forums is approved by the Continuing Education Board of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association to provide continuing education activities in speech-language pathology and audiology. This program is offered for the listed CEUs, (Various level; Professional area). ASHA CE provider approval does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures.

ASHA Credit not available

PSYCHOLOGISTS

Contemporary Forums is approved by the American Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. Contemporary Forums maintains responsibility for the program.

Pre-Conference A: 4 hours
Pre-Conference B: 3.75 hours
Main Conference: 16.5 hours

PHYSICIANS

Contemporary Forums is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to sponsor continuing medical education for physicians. Contemporary Forums designates this continuing medical education activity for the listed hours in Category 1 of the Physician’s Recognition Award of the American Medical Association.

Pre-Conference A: 4 hours
Pre-Conference B: 3.75 hours
Main Conference: 16.5 hours

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS

The American Academy of Physician Assistants accepts Category 1 CME approval from organizations accredited by the ACCME to grant Category 1 hours toward the Physician’s Recognition Award. Physician Assistants may report up to the listed hours of credit.

Pre-Conference A: 4 hours
Pre-Conference B: 3.75 hours
Main Conference: 16.5 hours

SOCIAL WORKERS/MARRIAGE, FAMILY & CHILD COUNSELORS

This Conference has been approved for CEUs by the Washington Chapter, National Association of Social Workers (NASW) for Licensed Social Workers, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists and Licensed Mental Health counselors. Provider #1975-148.

Pre-Conference A: 4 hours
Pre-Conference B: 3.75 hours
Main Conference: 16.5 hours

CASE MANAGERS AND CERTIFIED DISABILITY MANAGEMENT SPECIALISTS, AND CERTIFIED REHABILITATION COUNSELORS

Application has been made for the above listed hours from the Commission for Case Manager Certification, the Commission for Disability Management Specialist Certification, and the Commission for the Certification of Rehabilitation Counselors.

Pre-Conference A: 4 hours
Pre-Conference B: 3.75 hours
Main Conference: 16.5 hours

OTHER PROFESSIONALS

You will receive a Certificate of Attendance verifying your attendance at this course. Please comply with the guidelines of the appropriate boards, organizations or agencies in registering your credit.

Pre-Conference A: 4 hours
Pre-Conference B: 3.75 hours
Main Conference: 16.5 hours

Exhibits

To enhance your educational experience, we are inviting representatives from professionally relevant companies, organizations and hospitals to exhibit equipment, supplies, services and career opportunities. The schedule provides participants time for one-on-one discussion with exhibitors. For exhibit space availability or additional information:

Call the Exhibitor Information Line: (925) 828-7100, Ext. 5260

For prospectus information

Email: exhibits@cforums.com

Location

Boston

Visit Boston, a city rich in culture and history, and discover why it's one of the most popular destinations in the world. Slip on your walking shoes and stroll past sites that shaped America on Boston's three-mile Freedom Trail. While admiring picturesque cobblestone streets and graceful 18th-century buildings, you'll see the Old South Meeting House, the U.S.S. Constitution, Paul Revere’s House, the Old North Church and more. Or, head to the colorful 19th-century Faneuil Hall Marketplace and explore the unique shops, cafes and restaurants.

The conference is scheduled during Boston's most beautiful season -- springtime. Temperatures average in the 70's during the day -- perfect weather for a stroll along the Charles River or a visit to the nearby Boston Public Gardens for a picnic and Swan Boat ride. And, of course, no visit to Boston is complete without enjoying a beverage at Cheers!

Enjoy a spectacular display of sea life at the New England Aquarium, cheer on the Red Sox at Fenway Park or get tickets to see the famous Boston Pops. Visit Cambridge, just across the Charles River, for a look at the birthplace of higher education in America and the home of Harvard University. You may even want to extend your stay for a leisurely drive to Cape Cod and the islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket where you can walk the miles of unspoiled beach or play a round of golf.

Located in the heart of historic Back Bay, the luxurious Sheraton Boston Hotel rises above the city, encompassing all the style and class of Boston. The Sheraton offers distinctive service and atmosphere, award-winning four-star restaurants, an indoor/outdoor swimming pool and rooftop patio and a complete range of amenities. Nearby you’ll find some of Boston’s finest shopping, dining, and entertainment, all within easy walking distance. The boutiques, galleries and cafes of fashionable Newbury Street, the upscale shopping at Copley Place, and such unique restaurants as Cottonwood, Ciao Bella, Biba and No. 9 Park … all will enhance your visit to Boston.

From quaint Beacon Hill to the redeveloped waterfront, Boston offers many attractions for shoppers, restaurant connoisseurs and sightseers alike! For further information, contact the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau at (888) 733-2678 or visit them online at www.bostonusa.com.

Hotel/Travel

Hotel Accommodations

The Conference will be held at the Sheraton Boston, 39 Dalton Street, Boston, MA 02199. A limited block of rooms is being held for you and your guests at special group rates which will be in effect, based on room availability, from May 10 to May 16 for those wishing to extend their stay to enjoy area activities or qualify for discount airfares.

Rates: $229 single/double
Rates are per room and subject to prevailing state and local taxes.

To obtain the special group rates, make your reservation early and before the “hotel room block release date” which is April 12. Rooms may sell out before this date so be sure to make your reservation now. After the release date, rooms and group rates may no longer be available so call the hotel regarding availability.

To reserve your room online, please click here.

For room reservations, call (888) 627-7054 and inform them that you are attending the Contemporary Forums’ Spinal Cord Injuries Conference. Request a confirmation number and written confirmation of your reservation. Reservations must include a first night’s deposit.

Please contact the hotel regarding cancellation policy. For arrivals after 3 p.m., call the hotel on the day of travel to reconfirm reservations.
For additional hotel information, call the Sheraton Boston at (617) 236-2000.

For assistance in locating a roommate, please call Contemporary Forums at (800) 377-7707, Ext. 0.

Travel Discounts

Contemporary Forums has a special discount agreement with United Airlines unavailable to the general public. To obtain these special Conference fares visit www.united.com or call the Special Meeting Desk at (800) 521-4041, Account Code 510CW.

Relax and stretch out before and after you hit the convention floor—you can now enjoy JetBlue’s award-winning service and roomy leather seats for less! Book now and choose your way to save:
Traveling by yourself — Use convention code: SpinalCord as you book on jetblue.com/promo to save 5% off your travel.
Traveling as a group of five or more - Use JetBlue’s Meetings & Convention program to receive a customized fare. Simply call our dedicated desk at 888-JETBLUE, prompt 4. Your group will also receive one free change waiver per traveler.

Hertz is the official car rental agency for the Conference. Special rates will be in effect throughout the Conference as well as one week before and after. For special rates, call HERTZ at (800) 654-2240 and refer to Contemporary Forums plus the conference discount code CV# 03000236.

Fees

Registrations must include full tuition payment to be accepted. Registrations faxed without payment will not be processed. Confirmation is sent by email if your completed registration form and payment are received two weeks before the Conference begins. Since Conference registration and hotel rooms are limited, early registration is advised.

Out of consideration to registrants, children of any age and spouses may not attend the sessions.

Tuition Fee (U.S. Funds)
	Pre-Conference Half Day • May 12	Main Conference Full Day • May 13-15
Early Registration Fee* (On/Before April 1)	$185 each	$585
Regular Registration Fee (After April 1)	$200 each	$605
Military/VA Fee	$150 each	$495

*Postmarked or phone/fax/online registration and fees received on/before March 17. This should be April 1, 2010

Your tuition includes Certificate of Attendance, refreshment breaks and access to the Online CE Library for the Pre-Conference and/or Main Conference for which you registered. Main Conference registrants have access to all Concurrent Sessions that were recorded.

Military/VA Discount

Health professionals employed by the military or VA will be given a special discount for participating in the Spinal Cord Injuries Conference.

Group Discounts

Tuition discounts are given to groups of 3 or more registering for the complete Main Conference. Discounts do not apply to the Pre-Conference(s) and groups may not be formed after individual registrations have been received. To qualify for the group discount, all registration information must be complete for all group members, payment included and forms mailed or called in together. If faxing, list all group members on cover sheet. If registering online, all registrations must be entered consecutively and total payment must be made with the same credit card.

• $25 per person discount for 3 or 4 in a group
  $45 per person discount for 5 or more in a group

Method of Tuition Payment

Make payment by check (payable to Contemporary Forums and enclose with Registration Form), Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card, American Express or Purchase Order. A $30 fee is charged for any returned check. Personal checks are NOT accepted at the Conference. Purchase Orders must be received with registration by the Conference date and include the P.O. number, invoice address, tuition, approval signature, and contact name, email address and phone number.

Register by Phone, Fax, Mail or Online (Payment required to register)

Register only ONCE, by mail, fax (800) 329-9923, online, or by calling (800) 377-7707, Ext. 5252, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Pacific Time). Before calling, complete all registration information.

Tax Deductibility

Expenses of training, tuition, travel, lodging and meals to maintain or improve professional skills may be TAX DEDUCTIBLE. Consult your tax advisor.

Partial Attendance (No online registration available)

To register, call Contemporary Forums for tuition and CE credit for individual days. Group discounts do not apply. Registrations may not be shared. Online registration is not available for partial attendance.

Cancellations

Cancellations may be made by phone or in writing. Cancellations received on/before the appropriate early registration fee deadline receive a full tuition refund. Cancellations received after that date are assessed a $20 processing fee. No refunds for cancellations received after the Conference begins or for “no shows.” If this meeting is cancelled for any reason, including labor strikes or acts of God, liability is limited to a full refund of registration fees.

Program Changes

Contemporary Forums reserves the right to make necessary changes in speakers, topics or schedule.

Questions?

Contact Contemporary Forums at (800) 377-7707, Ext. 0, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Pacific Time) or email info@cforums.com. If you require special arrangements at this Conference, call (800) 377-7707, Ext. 5252, at least 30 days prior to the Conference.