By Catherine Cummings, CAE, MBA
Executive Director
International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations

The Allied Professionals Forum is almost here - an educational and training event where hundreds of allied health professionals come together from around the world. Its two days of extensive presentations, networking, and workshops that always leaves us feeling exhausted but at the same time re-energized and rejuvenated from hearing about all the amazing work being done around the world.

Up and coming voice banking technologies, ethical considerations for Genetics, virtual reality family-centered ALS/MND care, and much more. This Forum showcases knowledge, experiences, and technologies from all over the world. It’s amazing to learn about how we, as a global community, are making strides towards a World Free of ALS/MND.

Although the Forum is once again virtual this year, we can’t wait to come together online and reunite with old friends and make some new ones. Everyone from allied health professionals like speech-language pathologists, genetic counsellors, and respiratory therapists, to people living with ALS/MND and their caregivers, to researchers, attend from over 40 different countries.

This year’s program promises not to disappoint. Presentations showcase models or strategies that are novel and innovative as well as practical and applicable. Highlights of this year’s program include content on Genetics and Support for Family and Caregivers that will showcase a PALS’ view, discuss ethical considerations, and the outcomes from the Alliance’s Genetics Roundtable held in March 2021. Support for Family and Caregivers will dive into online self-help support, family-centered ALS/MND care, and a spouse’s journey from diagnosis to end of life. Additional themes for this year’s APF include communication, mental health support, sex and intimacy, among many others. There’s something in the program for everyone to learn from!

We hope you’ll consider joining us on December 1 and 2 for two days of sharing knowledge, experiences, and strategies. Together, we can work towards our vision, A World Free of ALS/MND. Don’t worry if you can’t attend live - all sessions from the APF will be recorded and available for viewing after the event.

The cost to attend is £40. Complete your registration here.

Please reach out to alliance@als-mnd.org if you have any questions.