Howard H. Steel Conference

The Howard H. Steel Conference is a premier gathering dedicated to advancing care for children living with spinal cord injuries and dysfunctions. This event will take place at the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace in the vibrant Disney Springs area, bringing together a diverse community of healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, therapists, psychologists, and researchers.

The 2026 theme, Mind the Gap, focuses on recognizing and bridging critical disparities in knowledge, resources, access, and outcomes affecting pediatric spinal cord care. Attendees are invited to submit course proposals and abstracts for oral and poster presentations, contributing to the exploration of knowledge, clinical, data, implementation, technology, and equity gaps.

The conference features prominent speakers such as Dr. MJ Mulcahey, PhD, OTR/L, CLCP, FASIA, who will present the Haley Memorial Lecture on the current and future management of pediatric spinal cord injury. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Mulcahey has made significant contributions to pediatric rehabilitation and has been recognized with numerous awards for her impactful work.

Another key speaker, Dr. James Crispo, will deliver the Newton C. McCollough Lecture, discussing the standardization of data collection in pediatric spinal cord injury management. His research utilizes large datasets to examine care pathways and outcomes, aiming to improve data quality and care for pediatric populations. This conference not only serves as a learning platform but also encourages networking and collaboration among professionals dedicated to enhancing patient care for children with spinal cord injuries.