American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) Wisconsin Chapter
UW Assistant Professor in Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences and Disorders (tenure home) and President of the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA). Michelle Ciucci works in collaboration with APDA to help those with Parkinson’s disease find support and local resources. The chapter provides free educational symposia, support groups, a quarterly newsletter and a detailed resource guide/informational manual. The chapter supports low-cost/free exercise classes designed specifically for those with PD and also supports the APDA Information and Referral Center located at St. Mary’s Hospital.
Outcomes
The chapter supports and produces resource manuals, quarterly newsletters, and educational sessions, sponsors an annual symposium, an annual walkathon, and annual half-marathon, fundraising activities and facilitates area support groups. Over the past 4 years under the leadership of Ciucci the APDA started a respite care program, launched PD-specific exercise classes, and provided PD-specific training to 50 local exercise therapy specialists. In addition, the chapter supports the Information and Referral Center at St. Mary’s, which seeks to raise awareness and educate those with PD on the resources present throughout the state.
Focus Areas
Project Leader
Michelle Ciucci
Assistant Professor
- Department/Unit
- Division of Otolaryngology
- School or College
- School of Medicine and Public Health