Educational Programs
Members of the Alabama APDA team are available to provide educational content and support to groups throughout Alabama for people with Parkinson’s and their families. From the newly established APDA Good Start® or PRESS® Programs, to hosting educational presentations and Q&As at support groups.
APDA Good Start Program
Hosted quarterly by Parkinson’s disease specialists throughout the state of Alabama, The Good Start Program is designed for new and recently diagnosed Parkinson’s patients to learn more about their Parkinson’s diagnosis, treatment, management, and available community resources. There is no cost to attendees for this program, which is open to individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s and a care partner or family member. Each program is tailored to the host community. Topics include:
- What is Parkinson’s Disease? (Diagnosis, Symptoms, and Treatment Strategies)
- Medication Management
- The Role of Rehabilitation and Exercise
- Building Your Care Teams (Physical, Occupational, Speech, Nutrition, Nursing / Social Services)
- Local Community Resources
Until a program is available in your area, we encourage you to view APDA’s Parkinson’s Disease: The Essentials presentation, which is a concise, yet very informative overview of Parkinson’s disease (PD) that explains the basics of PD, symptoms, treatments, and more. It is particularly well suited for people who have been newly diagnosed, or if you know or care for someone with PD and want to learn more. Go to: https://www.apdaparkinson.org/videos/138935/
APDA Good Start Program – Shelby County
Friday, May 17, 2024
10am – 2pm, Lunch provided
North Shelby Library – Annex Classroom
5521 Cahaba Valley Road
Birmingham, AL 35242
APDA Good Start Program – Virtual Zoom
Four One Hour Sessions – 2pm
Thursday, June 13, 2024
Friday, June 14, 2024
Thursday, June 20, 2024
Friday, June 21, 2024
*Space is limited to the first 12 individuals living with Parkinson’s and a care partner. We ask that you are able to commit to all four sessions.
Questions? Please contact APDA coordinators at apdaal@uabmc.edu, or call 1.205.934.9100.
APDA PRESS Program
The PRESS® Program (Parkinson’s Roadmap for Education and Support Services) is designed for those diagnosed with Parkinson’s and their care partners. The goal is to help you feel empowered, in control and optimistic. Each session will include a quick guest presentation from a relevant expert followed by a time to ask questions and share amongst the group in a virtual support group format. Weekly topics include:
- What’s Next After Diagnosis
- Medication Management of Parkinson’s
- The Importance of Exercise
- Dealing with Physical Symptoms of PD
- Impact of Parkinson’s on Daily Living – Coping and Relationships
- Tips for Daily Living
- Caring for Others, Caring for Yourself
- Building Your Healthcare Team
Each group is limited to 16 individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s and one care partner.
The PRESS program is currently meeting for spring 2024 and the group has been closed. Our next PRESS meeting will be available this fall with dates to be determined. To sign-up for a wait list, please contact Brooklyn White at bawhite@uabmc.edu or call 1.205.706.7320
APDA Connecting Through Art – Watercolor Activity Session
Check back soon for upcoming Connecting Through Art Programs in 2024!
Questions? Please contact APDA Coordinators at apdaal@uabmc.edu or call 1.205.934.9100.
APDA Virtual Programs
While waiting for Alabama specific Good Start and PRESS programs to be available, consider reviewing the national APDA resource center. The APDA offers webinars with PD experts, online education conferences and more. Check out the Virtual Events Calendar to see upcoming free programs to join from wherever you are. Programs are available in English and Spanish and include educational programs as well as online health and wellness classes.