1-day In-Person Course 

Movement Matters:

An Introduction to the Perception-Action Approach
Co-hosted with 2026 APTA Alaska Fall Conference

In-Person Course
DATE: November 1, 2026

CONTINUING EDUCATION HOURS: 7  (.7 CEUs)
LEVEL: Introductory
LOCATION: THE HOTEL CAPTAIN COOK  
939 West Fifth Ave., Anchorage, AK 99501
For Conference information and Registration please go to:  

2026 APTA Alaska Fall Conference – Alaska Physical Therapy Association.



Early Bird, Military and AK-APTA membership discounts are available 


READING PREREQUISITES:

  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:
A paradigm shift in clinical reasoning is occurring that affects pediatric therapists who are selecting the most effective interventions for their clients/patients. Interventions based on neuromaturational theory are being set aside in favor of those based on theories supported by current research. One such approach is the Perception-Action (P-A) Approach. This interactive workshop highlights the roles of variability and adaptability in the global learning process. In keeping with research in developmental science, participants will gain the ability to modify intervention to be task-specific, repetitive, and highly salient to the child. The theoretical foundation, primary concepts, and unique characteristics of the P-A Approach will be described.

REGISTER: 2026 APTA Alaska Fall Conference – Alaska Physical Therapy Association

QUESTIONS? CONTACT APTA ALASKA – INFO@APTAALASKA.ORG

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Target Audience:

Pediatric PT, PTA and OTP

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

0.7 CEUs (7 hours) will be awarded upon successful completion of this IPAA Professional Development activity. Full course attendance, passing a post-course knowledge assessment and completing the course evaluation are required for successful completion of this course.

ACCESSIBILITY

APTA Alaska and IPAA are committed to ensuring that all PD activities are accessible to all learners, including people with disabilities. If you have any special needs, please contact us at info@aptaalaska.org.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Requests for cancellation must be sent info@aptaalaska.org by October 9, 2026, to receive a refund minus credit card/processing fees. Cancellation by APTA Alaska will result in a full refund.


This course is approved for 0.7 CEUs by APTA Arizona and Alaska. 


IPAA is an AOTA Provider of professional development. Course approval ID# 6385. This live course is offered at 0.7 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.

What We Offer

Course Schedule

Sunday, November 1, 2026

8:00-8:45  How did the Perception-Action Approach develop? What is perception?
Small group activity
8:45-9:30  Why is a paradigm shift from the neuromaturation approach to current theories needed?
Includes Lab: variability and adaptability
9:30-10:00  What do you see? Case presentation and video analysis.
10:00-10:30  Break
10:30-11:30  Does the relationship between the support surface and gravity impact postural control?
Includes Lab: exploring the relationship between the SSC and gravity
11:30-12:00  Participant lab activities
12:00-1:00 Lunch
1:00-1:30  Can child-driven intervention impact active problem-solving?
1:30-2:00  How do affordances and environmental modifications influence participation?
Includes Lab: how to use affordances and environment
2:00-3:00  What are the basic elements of informational touch?
Includes Lab: discover informational touch
3:00-3:30 Break
3:30-4:00  What are the differences between the Perception-Action Approach and other interventions?
Group Activity
4:00-5:00  What do you see?
Case presentation and video analysis. Questions, Comments, Discussion!

Lecture


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.
Instructor

Charlene Fregosi

Physical Therapist - PT, C/PAA-Instructor 
Charlene Fregosi graduated from Pacific University in Oregon in 1978. She has a wide variety of pediatric experience including private practice, NICU, PICU and Peds hospital units, home based and school systems. Currently, Charlene is employed at Tucson Medical Center where she provides direct treatment, clinical mentoring, and screening of high risk infants. After receiving certification in NDT, she became interested in the Perception-Action (P-A) Approach. As a P-A Approach Certified Instructor, she has offered courses for state PT chapters, training for therapists participating in a multisite NIH grant and other interested therapists. She presents complex material in an interactive and experiential manner.
Patrick Jones - Course author
DISCLOSURES:
FINANCIAL: Charlene Fregosi is being financially compensated to present this Professional Development activity.
NONFINANCIAL:  Charlene Fregosi holds leadership and volunteer roles within IPAA for which there is no financial compensation.

REGISTER: 2026 APTA Alaska Fall Conference – Alaska Physical Therapy Association

QUESTIONS? CONTACT: INFO@APTAALASKA.ORG

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