MS Health Conference "Beyond the Diagnosis: Life with MS"

Join MS Achievement Center for this half-day health conference bringing together individuals living with MS or NMO, their carepartners and healthcare providers to explore a holistic approach to care. Through a mix of expert-led sessions and real-life perspectives, attendees will gain practical strategies, meaningful insights and a deeper understanding of the physical, emotional and everyday realities of living with MS.

Whether you are navigating MS personally, supporting a loved one or working as a healthcare provider, this event offers valuable tools, connection and perspective to support quality of life beyond the diagnosis.

PTs / PTAs, OTs / OTAs & Students can earn 4 CEUs and will:

• Learn strategies to meaningfully integrate physical, cognitive, emotional, social factors and lived experiences into treatment planning and care delivery.
• Analyze and address common misconceptions about MS to improve clincial decision-making and provide accurate, evidence-informed education to clients and carepartners.
• Identify and implement interdisciplinary strategies and community-based resources to enhance collaboration, support autonomy and promote long-term quality of life for people with chronic conditions.

Conference includes interactive sessions, continental breakfast, lunch and Health Resources Fair with prize drawings.

AGENDA

8:30-9:30am

• Mingle & Move
  For attendees with a neurological condition, carepartners
  Start the day by connecting with others in a relaxed, welcoming environment. This session blends light, accessible movement with guided conversation to build community, share experiences and ease into the day together.
  Led by Nicole Morgan, MSAC PTA
• Provider Roundtable: Holistic Approach to Care - 8:30-9:30am
  For healthcare providers
  Explore what it truly means to treat the whole person—not just the diagnosis. Participants will share insights, reflect on gaps in current care models and walk away with practical strategies to better support individuals living with MS and other chronic conditions.
  Led by Dr. Lyndi Hinkle, OT, OTR/L, MSAC Program Manager
  CEU 1.0 contact hour

9:45-10:45am

• Managing Legal & Financial Aspects of Chronic Illness
  Open to all attendees
  Planning ahead can make a meaningful difference in navigating life with MS. This session breaks down essential legal and financial considerations, helping attendees better understand available tools, avoid common pitfalls and feel more confident preparing for the future. 
  Led by Riley T. Schumacher, Attorney
  CEU 1.0 contact hour
• Beyond Fatigue: Improving Sleep
  Open to all attendees
  Sleep challenges and fatigure are deeply connected to MS and can impact every part of daily life. Learn practical, evidence-based strategies to improve sleep, enhance energy and support overall well-being. 
  Led by Dr. Joan Augustyn, OTD, OTR/L  
  CEU 1.0 contact hour

10:45-11am - Health Resources Fair 
Connect with community and national resources. 

11am - noon - Lunch & Health Resources Fair 

Noon - 1pm

Real Talk: Insights from People Living with MS - Panel Discussion
All attendees encouraged to attend this session
Hear directly from individuals living with MS and a carepartner as they share honest perspectives on daily life, healthcare experiences and what truly makes a difference. This powerful conversation offers connection, validation and insight, helping bridge the gap between lived experience and clinical care.
CEU 1.0 contact hour

1:15-2pm

• Challenging Common Misconceptions about MS
  Open to all attendees
  Misunderstandings about MS can shape expectations, care and daily interactions in ways that aren’t always helpful. This session invites attendees to rethink common assumptions and gain a more accurate, person-centered understanding of life with MS.
  Led by Dr. Lyndi Hinkle, OT, OTR/L, MSAC Program Manager; Nicole Morgan, PTA
  CEU 1.0 contact hour
• Evaluating MS Diets: Sorting Fact from Fiction
  Open to all attendees
  With so much conflicting information about “MS diets,” it can be hard to know what to trust. Explore current research and discover realistic, sustainable nutrition strategies to support health and quality of life.
  Led by Dr. Tyler Titcomb, PhD, RDN, LD
  CEU 1.0 contact hour

2-2:30pm - Wrapup & Prize Drawings

Who should attend this conference?

• Individuals with MS/NMO or other neurological conditions
• Carepartners
• Occupational Therapists / OTAs
• Physical Therapists / PTAs
• Students