Educational Programs
Members of the Alabama APDA team are available to provide educational content and support throughout Alabama for people with Parkinson’s and their families. We host APDA signature programs, including Good Start, PRESS and Connecting through Art.
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
Programs are hosted in various parts of the state of Alabama. 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 – 2025
Auburn/Opelika – February 27th, 1pm – 5pm (Opelika Methodist Church)
West Birmingham – May 15th, 1-5 pm (UAB Medical West)
Dothan – September 12th, 1-5 pm (Southeast Hospital)
Decatur – November 13th, 1-5 pm (Decatur Morgan Hospital)
Registration is Now Open for the Auburn/Opelika Good Start Program to be held on February 27th from 1- 5pm at Opelika Methodist Church. Register for this event by clicking below:
To be put on a wait list for an upcoming Good Start programs until registration opens, please email Brooklyn White at bawhite@uabmc.edu. Or go to this link to sign-up: https://uab.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2osxD5wpU9GsvEq
APDA Good Start Program – Virtual Zoom
Good Start Programs are also hosted virtually over zoom in two-part sessions. The dates for 2025 are listed below. You can go ahead and sign-up for the waitlist, and we will contact you prior to the event with the appropriate details, including the zoom link to access the session.
March 17th and March 18th, 6:30 – 8pm
June 17th and 19th, 6:30 – 8pm
October 21st and 23rd, 6:30 – 8pm
Registration is now open for the March 2025 Virtual Good Start Program on March 17th and 18th.
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.
Stay tuned for details about PRESS dates in 2025.
APDA Connecting Through Art
The APDA hosts a signature series called Connecting Through Art with Certified Art Therapy Practitioner Brooklyn White. Brooklyn will travel to Parkinson’s support groups to provide classes that emphasize therapies that can be done from home utilizing art to help offset motor and non-motor symptoms through research proven techniques. To ask Brooklyn to host a session with your support group, please contact her at bawhite@uabmc.edu.
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.