2-Day In-Person Course 

Movement Matters:

An Introduction to the Perception-Action Approach

In-Person Course
Brookville, New York
October 25 & 26, 2026

CONTINUING EDUCATION HOURS: 13.0
LEVEL: Introductory
LOCATION: Long Island University - Post
                    720 Northern Boulevard
                    Brookville, New York 11548 
TARGET AUDIENCE:  
Pediatric PT, PTA, OTP, and SLP      
COST: $450
     Early Bird: $420.00 by September 20, 2026
     (Code:  MM-Brookville)
     For Group Discount contact: patricia.gallo@perceptionaction.org

RECOMMENDED READING 

  1. “Development Through the Lens of a Perception-Action-Cognition Connection: Recognizing the Need for a Paradigm Shift in Clinical Reasoning” Rahlin M, Barnett J, et al. https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzz026.
  2. Theoretical Foundations and Primary Concepts of P-A Approach (All can be found on IPAA website.)
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Stay at the forefront of pediatric therapy by exploring the Perception-Action (P-A) Approach, an innovative framework grounded in current developmental science research. As the field continues to evolve beyond traditional neuromaturational models, clinicians are increasingly seeking evidence-based strategies that promote meaningful participation and functional outcomes for children. Through this engaging and interactive learning experience, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how variability, adaptability, and child-centered engagement drive skill acquisition and development. 
Combining scientific foundations with practical application, this workshop equips therapists with strategies to design task-specific, repetitive, and highly salient interventions that can be immediately integrated into clinical practice. Join us to discover how the P-A Approach can enhance clinical reasoning, optimize therapeutic effectiveness, and support better outcomes for children and families. 

REGISTER AT:

WWW.PERCEPTIONACTION.ORG

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Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this educational session the participant will:
  1. Distinguish between neuromaturational theory and current theories of perception-action, dynamic systems, and neuronal group selection. 
  2. Recognize how perceptual information from support surfaces contributes to the development of postural control.
  3. Identify how a child-driven intervention contributes to an individual’s active problem-solving. 
  4. Describe how environmental modifications can provide affordances for action.
  5. Explain basic elements of Informational Touch.
  6. Recognize how Informational Touch in the P-A Approach differs from other "hands-on" therapeutic techniques. 

       FORMAT AND METHOD OF INSTRUCTION:

       Lecture, laboratory sessions, small and large group discussions       
       and case presentations. 

SATISFACTORY COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS

Full course attendance, passing a post-course knowledge assessment and completing the course evaluation are required for successful completion of this course.

ACCESSIBILITY

IPAA is committed to ensuring that all educational activities are accessible to all learners, including people with disabilities. If you have any special needs, please contact us at ipaamoves@gmail.com.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Requests for cancellation must be made in writing more than 10 days prior to the course start date to receive a refund minus $20.00 administrative costs for registration. Cancellations by IPAA will result in full refund.

IPAA is recognized by NYSED’s State Board for Physical Therapy as an approved provider of physical therapy and physical therapy assistant continuing education for 15.6 contact hours.   


This course is approved for 1.3 CEUs (13 contact hours) by APTA Arizona. 

SLPs can submit a Certificate of Completion from this course to qualify for maintenance of ASHA Certification.

IPAA is an AOTA Provider of professional development. Course approval ID# 6385. This live course is offered at 1.3 CEUs, Introductory level, OT Service Delivery. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.

For questions, please email:
patricia.gallo@perceptionaction.org 
What We Offer

Course Schedule

Sunday, October 25, 2026 

8:30 - 9:00    Discussion of Recommended         
                       Readings  and Historical Perspective
9:00 - 9:45     Paradigm Shift and Role of                                            Cognition
9:45 - 10:15    Case Presentation - Video and                                      Discussion
10:15 - 10:30         Break
10:30 - 11:15   Participant Movement Lab #1  
11:15 - 12:00   Case Presentation - Video and                                      Discussion
12:00 - 1:00          Lunch
1:00 - 2:00      Primary Concepts and Unique                                      Defining Characteristics    
2:00 - 2:45     Participant Movement Lab #2
2:45 - 3:00          Break          
3:00 - 4:00     Theories that support the                                              Perception-Action Approach:                                        Dynamic Systems, Perception-                                    Action, and Neuronal Group                                          Selection
4:00 - 4:30     Video and Discussion Related to                                  Theories 
4:30 - 5:00     Questions/Discussion 


Monday, October 26, 2026 


8:30 - 9:30    Features of Informational Touch
9:30 - 10:15    Participant Movement Lab #3    
10:15 - 10:30        Break
10:30 - 11:15    Case Presentations - Videos and                                  Discussion
11:15 - 12:00    Participant Movement Lab #4
12:00-1:00            Lunch   
1:00-1:45        Case Presentation - Video and                                      Discussion
1:45-2:30        Participant Movement Lab #5
2:30-2:45              Break
2:45-3:30       Small Group Patient Problem                                        Solving    
3:30-4:00       Summary of Key Takeaways
                        Questions/Discussion

Lectures


Self-Experiential Movement Activities


Participant Labs


Course Completion

Thank you for taking this course. If you have completed the entire course work, please click on the link below to complete the Knowledge Assessment, Course Survey & obtain your Certificate of Completion.
Instructors

Patricia Gallo

Physical Therapist - PT, MA, C/PAA-Instructor 
Patricia A. Gallo, PT, MA, C/PAA-Instructor
Patricia is the owner of a private pediatric physical therapy practice in East Norwich, New York. She has over 35 years experience in a variety of settings including school, hospital, and center and home-based programs. She is a founding member of the Institute for Perception-Action Approach. She earned her certification in TAMO™ (Tscharnuter Academie for Movement Organization) in 1999 and worked as a clinical assistant to Ingrid Tscharnuter, teaching movement strategies through a Perception-Action approach, presenting courses at NYPTA state and local levels. She is a Certified Perception-Action Approach Instructor and has presented courses on the Perception-Action Approach both nationally and abroad.

Ilene Sperling 

Speech-Language pathologist - MA, CCC,
C/PAA-Instructor, C/ZB Practitioner & Mentor

Ilene Sperling, MA,CCC/SLP, is a Certified Perception-Action Approach Instructor who has specialized in working with infants, children and adults with movement, balance and coordination disorders and associated motor speech, feeding and respiratory/phonatory difficulties.
Ilene has worked for over 40 years in a variety of practice settings. She is a Founding member of the Institute for Perception-Action Approach and is currently on the Board of Directors. She also holds Certification in Zero Balancing and Cranial Sacral Therapy and is PROMPT trained.
Ilene has presented many courses on the Perception-Action Approach, with a focus on developing goals and intervention strategies for the Speech-Language Pathologist. She has also presented courses titled “Hips to Lips”, designed specifically to introduce the Perception-Action Approach to Speech Language Pathologists.

Patrick Jones - Course author
DISCLOSURES:
FINANCIAL: Patricia Gallo and Ilene Sperling are being financially compensated to present this Professional Development activity.
NONFINANCIAL: Patricia Gallo and Ilene Sperling hold leadership and volunteer roles within IPAA for which there is no financial compensation.

REGISTER TODAY

WWW.PERCEPTIONACTION.ORG


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