Iowa Vestibular Symposium

Registration The Iowa Vestibular Symposium will be held in person at the DMU32 Health and Business Complex in Des Moines, IA, and streamed live via Zoom. Cost Clinicians - In-Person Saturday + Sunday: $400 Clinicians - Online Saturday + Sunday: $400 Full-Time Health Sciences Students - In-Person Saturday + Sunday: $175 Full-Time Health Sciences Students - Online Saturday + Sunday: $175 For group rates, please email [email protected] . Before enrolling in this educational activity, you must log in or create an account . Once logged in, please select the "REGISTER" tab to process your payment and complete your registration. CANCELLATION POLICY All cancellations must be received in writing at [email protected] . A nonrefundable administrative fee of $50 will be charged for all cancellations. No refunds will be given after January 5, 2027. Canceled registrations can be transferred to another individual for the same activity. Individuals who fail to attend the activity (no-shows) will not receive any refund. Forfeited fees may not be applied to any other activity. All times listed are in Central Time. The agenda is subject to change. Saturday, January 16, 2027 7:30 am Registration and Breakfast 8:15 am Welcome 8:30 am Vestibular Disorders Association: The Impact of Peer Support in Vestibular Care David Morrill VeDA Describe the physical, cognitive, emotional, and functional impact of vestibular disorders on patients’ daily lives. Identify the Vestibular Disorders Association's peer support resources and select options based on patients’ individual needs and preferences. Explain how peer support may help patients manage anxiety, treatment adherence, confidence, and daily challenges. The Dizzy Moms Club: From Patient to Parent - Bridging the Gap in Vestibular Care Nicola Curry The Dizzy Moms Club Careen Hannouche The Dizzy Moms Club Describe The Dizzy Moms Club and its role in supporting mothers with vestibular disorders between clinical encounters. Compare the controlled clinical environment with the sensory and functional demands mothers face while parenting and managing dizziness. Explain how The Dizzy Moms Club’s structure and peer-support model address cognitive fatigue, validation, empowerment, and parenting-related challenges. Apply appropriate referral strategies to connect mothers with The Dizzy Moms Club and other relevant peer-support resources. 9:15 am Peripheral Vestibular Helena Esmonde, PT, DPT, NCS Dizzy Care Network 12:15 pm Lunch (Buffet open from 12:15 to 1:30 pm) 12:30 pm Speed Networking - Small Groups 1:00 pm Primitive Reflex and Sensory Integration Alexis Lovinggood, MOT, OTR/L Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy 2:30 pm Break 2:45 pm Finding Steady Ground: The Role of Mental Performance and Sport Psychology in Athletes with Vestibular Symptoms Nicole Harnisch, MS, CMPC Founder and CEO, Certified Mental Performance Consultant Harnisch Performance and Life Consulting Explain how psychological factors interact with vestibular symptoms and influence an athlete’s rehabilitation and recovery. Recognize common psychological and performance-related challenges during recovery, including uncertainty, changes in athletic identity, and concerns about returning to sport. Identify practical mental performance strategies that support vestibular rehabilitation, including goal setting, attentional cues, self-talk, and emotional regulation techniques. Differentiate the roles of rehabilitation providers, mental performance consultants, and licensed mental health professionals, including appropriate opportunities for collaboration and referral. 4:15 pm Question and Answer Session 5:15 pm Adjourn 5:45 pm Social Gathering SingleSpeed Brewing Company 303 Scott Avenue Des Moines, IA 50309 Sunday, January 17, 2027 7:30 am Registration and Breakfast 8:20 am Welcome 8:30 am Connecting the Dots: A Case-Based Approach to Vestibular Care and Transdisciplinary Collaboration in Neurological Conditions Samantha Blaker, MS CCC-SLP, CBIS Outpatient Speech-Language Pathologist, On With Life Pediatric Speech-Language Pathology, UnityPoint Health - Blank Children's Hospital Paula Duve, DPT On With Life Michelle Flora, COTA, CBIS, CSRS, DRS On With Life Samantha Nilles On With Life Describe the neurological impairment associated with cerebrovascular accident, traumatic brain injury, and Parkinson’s disease, including implications for functional mobility, cognitive-communication, and participation. Examine the role of the vestibular system in individuals with neurological conditions and identify clinical considerations for assessment. Describe the contributions of transdisciplinary team members in neurorehabilitation and identify appropriate interdisciplinary resources to address person-centered goals, including return to driving, return to work, and community participation. Apply transdisciplinary clinical reasoning to case-based scenarios to develop person-centered recommendations, facilitate appropriate referrals, and connect individuals with relevant rehabilitation and community resources. 11:00 am Break 11:15 am Panel Discussion 12:30 pm Lunch 1:00 pm Optimizing Outcomes in POTS: The Role of Multidisciplinary Care Shelley Ahrens, DNP, APRN, CNP Mayo Clinic Erin Olufs, PhD University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine 4:30 pm Question and Answer Session 5:00 pm Adjourn Target Audience All healthcare professionals working with individuals with central or peripheral vestibular disorders are invited to attend. This includes providers who see patients complaining of dizziness, imbalance, and vertigo and are seeking improved referral options, as well as providers who regularly treat these individuals. Advanced education on vestibular conditions is not a prerequisite.

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