International Experts on Special Needs Convene at 8th Cerebral Palsy Symposium

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach - 16 September 2015 - The 8^th edition of Cerebral Palsy Symposium 2015 officially kicked off last week with Guest of Honour, Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Social & Family Development (MSF), Mr Chan Heng Kee, gracing the opening of the event.

Organised by the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore, the symposium was held from 10 -- 12 September at the MAX Atria @ Singapore Expo. The theme -- 'Integration and Functional Independence', reflects the organisation's hope that persons with cerebral palsy and related disabilities will be empowered to maximise their potential and lead fulfilled, dignified lives.

Chairman of CPAS, Associate Professor Kevin Lim, PBM, said, "All these sessions have a common goal: and that is to help individuals with CP achieve functional independence and maximum integration into the community."

The symposium aimed to provide a platform for healthcare professionals, educators, parents and caregivers from the region to share and exchange cutting-edge updates, ideas and experiences in relation to cerebral palsy. Some of the highlights of the symposium included a keynote speech by Associate Professor Dr Winnie Goh, Chair of the Early Intervention Sub-Committee for Singapore's Enabling Masterplan. Led by international experts and researchers from internationally-renowned organisations and institutions, a series of talks and workshops on specialised topics such as rehabilitation, early intervention, education, and emotional management were further expounded on.

The distinguished list of speakers include Dr. Julie Cichero, Speech Pathologist, Senior research fellow, lecturer and researcher, The University of Queensland, Dr. Julianne Moss, Associate Professor, School of Arts and Education, Deakin University, Dr. Jodie Copley, Senior Lecturer and Clinic Education Program Director at the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland Dr. Noula Gibson, Research Coordinator Physiotherapist at Princess Margaret Hospital and  Prof Victor Samuel Rajadurai, Senior Consultant, Head of the Department of Neonatology, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, among others.

"By involving experts and participants from different countries, this event facilitates cross-border sharing and learning," Mr Chan said. "I also commend the organisers for recognising the important roles that different stakeholders play in the lives of people with cerebral palsy.  Bringing together healthcare professionals, educators, planners and administrators, beneficiaries and caregivers will help us develop more rounded perspectives."

This symposium was supported by the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) and the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA).

"Both NCSS' and WDA's commitment to building and strengthening the capabilities of VWOs in Singapore is invaluable," Chairman of CPAS, Associate Professor Kevin Lim, PBM, continued. "In supporting this Symposium, they have empowered professionals across the special needs sector to upgrade themselves in order to be able to serve the beneficiaries better."

For more information on the 8th Cerebral Palsy Symposium, please visit: http://www.cpsymposium.org.sg/

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About Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore (CPAS)