NAF has launched a petition on Change.org calling on the FDA to prioritize treatment options for rare diseases with urgent unmet needs, including Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA).
SIGN THE PETITION
NAF has launched a petition on Change.org calling on the FDA to prioritize treatment options for rare diseases with urgent unmet needs, including Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA).
SIGN THE PETITION
NAF’s Ataxia Clinical Training (ACT) program debuted in March 2022 and is hosted annually in conjunction with our patient conference.
Course Description:
NAF’s Ataxia Clinical Training (ACT) program is a focused, in-person training designed to equip residents, fellows, and attending physicians with the practical skills and clinical knowledge necessary to diagnose and manage patients with ataxia. The course includes expert-led lectures, panel discussions, hands-on examination workshops, and supplemental asynchronous modules. Participants will explore diagnostic approaches, differentiation of ataxia subtypes, evidence-based treatments, and interdisciplinary care strategies. Pre- and post-tests will assess learning.
Learning Outcomes:
This program is designed to help providers:
The highlight of ACT is interactions between attendees and patients affected by a wide spectrum of ataxic disorders. Very few conferences offer the opportunity to bolster didactic knowledge with hands-on clinical training and patient engagement, making this course unique in its training scope.
Feedback from prior attendees:
Applications for ACT 2026 are now closed. Please contact Aimee Alcott at aimee@ataxia.org if you are interested in being added to the waitlist.
ACT is an 3-day course designed to provide practical knowledge on the diagnostic approach, neurogenetics, treatment, and best care practices for the ataxias through a series of lectures, breakout sessions, and live clinical demonstrations.
Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with patients and families affected by a wide spectrum of ataxic disorders as ACT runs concurrently with NAF’s annual patient conference. Very few programs offer the opportunity to bolster didactic knowledge with hands-on clinical experience, making this course unique in its training scope.
A certificate of completion will be awarded to each attendee who attends all sessions and completes all aspects of the program including required pre-reading and on-demand lectures, pre-and-post tests, and course feedback evaluations.
You may reach out to Aimee Alcott at aimee@ataxia.org with further questions.
NAF’s Ataxia Clinical Training program is designed primarily for clinicians, and we also welcome other interested ataxia care providers and industry allies.
Applications to join the 2026 cohort are now closed. We are maintaining a waitlist and will notify interested participants if additional space becomes available.
Approved applicants will be sent registration/travel information in late 2025.
Registered attendees will receive more details about course prerequisites and the on-site agenda in early 2026.
Registration provides access to a full agenda of in-person lectures, panels, and training & networking opportunities at ACT 2026. Most meals are included on-site.
Travel and lodging costs are at attendee expense; we encourage applicants to inquire with their institutions to source additional travel support. Registered attendees will have access to reduced room rates at the conference hotel.
Registration Fees
Neurology Residents/Movement Disorders, Neuromuscular, Genetics Fellows: Complimentary*
NAF takes seriously its aim to increase the pool of well-trained ataxia providers; as such, we dedicate a number of spots at ACT to early-career providers and support their attendance by waiving registration fees*.
*Limited complimentary registrations are available and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis based on the date an application was received. Please apply early! If all complimentary spots fill, residents & fellows will be invited to register to attend at the regular registration rate.
Regular Registration: $600
Applies to all non-industry healthcare and medical professionals.
Corporate/Industry Registration: TBA
Please connect directly with sponsorship manager Rich McCutchen at rich@ataxia.org for more details.
ACT 2026 will be hosted at the Rosen Center in Orlando, FL April 9-11, 2026.
Additional travel information, including group rates for the conference hotel, will be sent to registered attendees.
