Location: Easton Foyer
Locations:
Location: Easton C, D, E
Location: Hotel Foyer
Location: Hotel Lobby/Bar
(Food & drink on your own.)
Locations:
Born and raised in Stillwater, Oklahoma, Todd has degrees in Wildlife Conservation and Communications from Oklahoma State University. He has worked as a nature instructor at a children’s camp on the shore of Lake Superior, and a ranger with the U.S. Forest Service in Colorado. He then retired in 2025 after 30 years with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation as producer and host of the award-winning television show, Outdoor Oklahoma. Currently, Todd is living out his childhood dream as a Ranger in Yellowstone National Park. His passions include hunting, camping, rock crawling in his 1980 Jeep CJ7, and his daughter Emily.
Location: Easton A & B
In this session we will review the nuts and bolts of a genetic evaluation in the context of arthrogryposis multiplex congenita. We will discuss the components of a genetic evaluation including what historical and physical examination findings are important. The different types of genetic testing utilized in clinical practice and types of results which are expected along with limitations of testing will be highlighted. We will discuss categories of genes found to be associated with AMC. The process of genetic counseling will also be discussed.
Location: Easton A
What happens when the thing that defines you is suddenly taken away? This powerful session dives into the identity crisis that follows injury, illness, or life disruption—and the often-unspoken grief of losing not just an activity, but a sense of self. Blending raw personal experience with clinical insight, we will challenge the idea that we are what we do, and instead reframe identity as something deeper, more resilient, and adaptable. Through adaptive sport and community connection, attendees will explore how to stay grounded in who they are—even when everything familiar shifts. Because identity doesn’t have an off-season—it evolves.
Location: Easton B
Location: Easton C
Location: Easton D
Location: Easton E
On your own …
During this session Dr. Hyer will be discussing foot conditions in arthrogryposis. From clubfoot to congenital vertical talus, and everything in between, we will walk through what treatment looks like from infancy to adulthood.
Location: Easton A
This session explores how individuals with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC) can achieve independence with driving through working with a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist. Planning can often begin early, and we will explain the comprehensive driving evaluation. Attendees will see a variety of case studies showcasing customized vehicle modifications. Attendees will gain insight into the full spectrum of adaptive driving solutions, ranging from low-tech to advanced high-tech steering and braking systems.
Location: Easton B
Location: Easton C
Location: Easton D
We all strive for autonomy and independence, but what does this look like in our real day-to-day lives? For AMC, independence has multiple layers. In this session, we will consider the balance of self-awareness, adaptive equipment, social considerations and more in our quest to be independent people living in an ever more connected world. Come ready to share and discuss your quest for autonomy.
Location: Easton A
This session focused on the arthrogrypotic hip, reviewing the unique anatomical and functional challenges associated with hip involvement in arthrogryposis. Discussion included clinical assessment of hip motion, stability, gait, pelvic alignment, and the impact of associated contractures on overall mobility and function. Relevant anatomy was reviewed, including soft tissue contractures, muscle imbalance, acetabular development, and the presence of unilateral or bilateral hip dislocation commonly seen in these patients. Treatment options were explored based on patient age, functional goals, and severity of deformity, ranging from conservative management and physical therapy to surgical interventions such as soft tissue releases, osteotomies, and hip reduction procedures. Emphasis was placed on individualized decision-making and balancing hip stability with preservation of mobility and functional independence.
Location: Easton B
Location: Easton C
Location: Easton D
A tethered cord spinal cord can contribute to weakness, imbalance, pain, and progressive deformity. When the spinal cord is under chronic tension, orthopedic correction alone may not lead to durable functional improvement. This session will highlight when to suspect a tethered cord and why a spine MRI evaluation is important in patients with AMC.
Location: Easton A
In this session, participants will learn about the variety of options available for infants and the subsequent interventions recommended as children age. We will discuss surgical options and the rehabilitation techniques employed to unlock and restore motion in various situations.
Location: Easton B
Location: Easton C
Location: Easton D
Location: Easton E
Location: Easton A-E
Locations:
The purpose of my talk is to help patients, parents and care givers to have the information to make informed decisions about making a thoughtful life plan for an individual with arthrogryposis. I will be discussing how to create reasonable goals and expectations when dealing with arthrogryposis. What is available, surgically and non-surgically, to aid function? What is the sacrifice?
How can we achieve stronger muscles with more joint motion to achieve the outcomes we deem possible? At what age will we create these goals? Do we have to choose between standing and sitting? Would stem cells help?
Location: Easton A
This presentation offers an insightful look into my life journey, beginning in the third grade. I will highlight three different documentaries filmed at pivotal stages: one in elementary school, one spanning middle and high school, and a final one produced 29 years after the first. Alongside these films, I will share the personal trials and tribulations I have experienced throughout my life as a person with AMC.
Location: Easton B
Location: Easton C
Location: Easton D
Rare neuromuscular diseases present unique challenges for education and knowledge sharing among healthcare professionals, patients, families, and community partners. This presentation will highlight the importance and opportunity of co-developing meaningful educational resources through collaborative partnerships that include clinicians, researchers, patient advocates, and individuals with lived experience. We will describe the development process of an e-learning program for arthrogryposis, designed to improve access to reliable, practical, and patient-centered information. We will discuss key steps in the creation of the modules, including needs assessment, stakeholder engagement, content co-design, and adaptation for diverse audiences. Finally, we will explore the impact and broader implications of collaborative e-learning initiatives in rare diseases, including increased accessibility to knowledge, empowerment of patients and families, and opportunities to strengthen interdisciplinary care and international collaboration.
Location: Easton A
Be it a 2 or 4-year college, technical schools, or workforce programs – there are lots of choices and it can feel like a lot. Join Jake Gates-Ehlers and Jan Shea to learn about that transition out of high school. This informal presentation will go over some of those key differences between high school and college, discuss college accomodations, and create space to brainstorm that college search process. We want to help answer questions or give some tips about navigating some of those systems.
Location: Easton B
Location: Easton C
Location: Easton D
This session will address key aspects across the early years and into adulthood as it relates to therapy and function.
Location: Easton A
Arthrogryposis is associated with various foot deformities requiring specialized treatment expertise. In this session, I will discuss clubfoot subsets and their treatment. We will discuss other foot conditions such as vertical talus and progressive foot deformities associated with Arthrogryposis.
Location: Easton B
Location: Easton C
Location: Easton D
On your own …
Jammin’ with Julie
Location: Easton A
Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita is a term to describe a spectrum of disorders that all have in common babies born with multiple joint contractures. This talk is an overview, designed to provide a structure to understand arthrogryposis, the conditions that cause it, and the differences between diagnoses. There will be special focus on treatment of foot deformities (clubfoot and congenital vertical talus), hip deformities (contractures and congenitally dislocated hips), and knee contractures (both flexion and extension). Scoliosis will also be discussed, with an emphasis on different forms of treatment.
Location: Easton B
Location: Easton C
Location: Easton E
At a world that often pressures disabled people to shrink, soften, or perform acceptability, authenticity can become an act of freedom. In this talk, AMCSI ambassador and Dream Walker Project founder Misha Walker shares how embracing her full, unapologetic self transformed not only her confidence, but the way she moves through the world. Through personal stories, vulnerability, humor, and hard-earned perspective, this session explores the power of showing up truthfully in a body that society constantly tries to define for you. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how authenticity can create connection, self-worth, visibility, and unexpected opportunities. More than anything, this talk is an invitation to stop hiding and start living fully as exactly who you are.
Location: Easton A & B
Location: Easton A, B, C, D, & E
Location: Regency 1 & 2
Locations: Easton Foyer
Silent Auction Location: Regency 3
Location: Easton A-E
Location: Regency 1 & 2
Location: Easton A & B
Location: Easton C, D, & E
Location: Hotel Foyer
Location: Easton C
Location: Easton C
Location: Hotel Pool
Location: Meet in Lobby, will be at Graeter’s Ice Cream
Location: Regent 1 & 2
(Both Days)
Come “bee” creative with us in this make-it take-it session. Drop it at any point during part 1 or part 2 (they are the same) and make some fun things to take home.
Come “bee” creative with us in this make-it take-it session. Drop it at any point during part 1 or part 2 (they are the same) and make some fun things to take home.
Come relax and listen to stories from Ms. Tammy!
Information coming soon, stay tuned …
Looking to Bee a star? Perfect opportunity is to jam out with Julie! She is a fellow AMCer that is a board certified music therapist! No experience necessary, all you have to do is just come! No pressure and all abilities are welcome! See you there!
Drop in for as long or as short as you like – fun games will be set up in Children’s programming all afternoon! All doctors, therapists, and other medical professionals are invited to come play games with our kids and families. Have fun playing games with new friends, building with legos or magnet blocks, or just hanging out in a fun social space. This is a fun, unstructured time to play games with other AMC families and providers.
