Upon completion of this course, participants will:

• Gain knowledge of the history, development and theory behind dynamic bracing and the difference between DAFOs and traditional AFOs.
• Understand which gait deviations can be affected by bracing.
• Be able to evaluate a specific patient for bracing needs
• Be able to observe and catalog gait deviations that can be improved through bracing.
• Understand the significance of a patient’s level of voluntary control and relevant range of motion to the bracing plan.
• Be able to identify or describe the best functional position for bracing a given patient.
• Know what a brace is expected to do for a patient and how the patient will move or be supported in it.
• Be able to identify which patient presentation group(s) a given patient is in.
• Be able to identify a group of brace design choices most likely to provide good outcomes for a given patient.
• Be able to blend the needs of all clinical team members in choosing a bracing solution for the patient.

DEBBIE DONALDSON

Debbie Donaldson, CPO
Debbie discovered the P&O field at a young age, as her mother was a prosthetist-orthotist serving in India. Debbie enjoys working with people to make a difference in the quality of their lives. She manages Cascade P&O’s Mount Vernon, Washington, office and travels northwest Washington to evaluate and cast children for DAFOs. She is an avid golfer and enjoys woodworking. (University of Washington, 1992)