The Cascade Dafo Institute features a series of courses that teach practical, real life skills to enhance your clinical practice. Highly interactive with 130 videos featuring more than 40 patients, these self-paced courses take approximately 1–1.5 hours each to complete. You can stop and start as needed, and pick and choose the content that best meets your unique needs.
And, did we mention? All of our courses are free!
Take the courses anywhere, anytime, as many times as you'd like.
For the best experience, we recommend taking these courses on your desktop or laptop computer (you can also use your newer model iPad, but some videos and interactions may not work perfectly). Be sure to use the most up-to-date version of your browser (Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Safari, etc.), and a fast internet connection.
Read on for current available courses, CE credit information, and how to get started.
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Intro to Dynamic Bracing Course Series
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Assessment for DAFOsLearn valuable techniques for assessing gait and foot/ankle range, and gain insights into the brace selection process directly from experienced practitioners.
The coolest thing about this course: You'll discover firsthand how it feels to move without a stable base of support. It's an eye-opening experience! |
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Brace SelectionLearn practical, real life clinical skills to help you choose the best style of DAFO for your patient. Includes an overview of the DAFO Guide to Brace Selection, a handy resource tool you can use in helping you evaluate pediatric patients for bracing: choose a patient group, determine the patient's level of involvement, and see the suggested brace styles that will best meet the patient's needs.
The coolest thing about this course: It's jam-packed with patient videos. |
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Casting and Scanning for DAFOs
Capturing a patient's best position of function in a cast or scan is essential to creating the very best bracing outcome. Learn specialized techniques for casting and scanning for DAFOs.
The coolest thing about this course: We show you how to use the latest digital scanning technology for DAFOs – learn how to use this cutting edge technique to save shipping time and costs. Bonus info: We've included our best tips for working with children. |
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OrderingWe are experts in creating custom DAFOs built precisely to your specifications. Use our order forms to their full potential to get exactly the brace you want, every time. The coolest thing about this course: Hear directly from Cascade Dafo founder/owner Don Buethorn, CPO – he provides tips about the importance of the cast correction section of our order forms. |
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Fit & WearCustom DAFOs may require minor adjustments for optimal fit – learn tips and tricks for evaluating and enhancing fit, both at the initial fitting appointment, and over time. The coolest thing about this course: Tutorials, tutorials, tutorials. You'll learn where to find all of our how-to instructions for making adjustments both in the lab, or in the field |
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Fast Fit SolutionsOur Fast Fit prefabricated shoe inserts and orthoses are an effective alternative to custom DAFOs – learn the who, what, when, where, and how behind these off-the-shelf solutions. The coolest thing about this course: The littlest feet (we’re talking ages 0 to 3) grow fast – learn about quick, effective, and affordable solutions for them, no casting needed. |
Beyond the Basics
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Brace OptimizationsFurther customize DAFOs with optimizations – optional brace features that enhance fit and function. Learn which optimizations are available, how to choose appropriate optimizations for each patient, and how to order them. |
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Brace Planning for Crouched GaitWhat is crouching? Is it simply flexed knees during gait? The answer is not as straightforward as it seems. Join us as we look at the process of assessing and planning bracing for patients who present with crouched gait. Through video case studies and interactive participation, we’ll explore dynamic brace selection, casting, ordering, fitting, and optimizations to help patients with excess dorsiflexion achieve the best possible outcomes. The coolest thing about this course: There is a fun, interactive, choose-your-own adventure style practicum at the end of the course. |
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Toe Walking IntensiveThere are multiple causes for toe walking, but no specific bracing solution for any given diagnosis. Each case requires an individual assessment and treatment plan based on the patient’s unique presentation, goals, and real-life factors. In this advanced course, we’ll build on your knowledge of toe walking treatments by showing you new ways to look at patient presentations and discuss various bracing solutions you may not have considered. We’ll hear from clinicians and work through case studies focusing on assessment, brace selection and optimization, and tips for casting and fitting. The coolest thing about this course: This course is full of tips we’ve gathered from experienced clinicians to help you assess patients, improve compliance, communicate with the clinical team, and more! |
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Using DAFOs in Treatment Plans for Patients with Cerebral PalsyLearn strategies for providing the best possible bracing for your patients with cerebral palsy. You'll gain a better understanding of the movement disorders commonly associated with CP, along with assessment techniques, bracing strategies, and brace planning before and after medical and surgical interventions. The coolest thing about this course: Two awesome experts. You'll learn from a neurologist and an orthotist who have worked together for many years at a world-renowned CP center. |
Grow Your Business
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Group Facilitation SkillsFine-tune your presentation skills and get tips and tricks for facilitating proactive conversations in a group setting. The coolest thing about this course: We include a printable Instructor Evaluation Tool that you can use in practicing your presentation – a colleague or friend can observe your rehearsal and use the tool to provide you with helpful feedback. |
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CE Credit Information
American Board for Certifications in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics
The following courses have been approved for Category I continuing education credits for Orthotists, Orthotic Assistants, and Orthotic Technicians:
- Course 1: Assessment for DAFOs (1.5 credits)
- Course 2: Brace Selection (2 credits)
- Course 3: Casting and Scanning for DAFOs (1.5 credits)
- Course 4: Ordering Custom DAFOs (1.5 credits)
- Course 5: Fit & Wear (1 credit)
- Course 6: Fast Fit Solutions (1 credit)
- Brace Optimizations (1.5 credits)
- Brace Planning for Crouched Gait (2.5 credits)
- Toe Walking Intensive (2.5 credits)
- Using DAFOs in Treatment Plans for Patients with Cerebral Palsy (2.5 credits)
In order to receive credit for the above-listed courses, pass the final course test with a score of 80% correct or better. Participant names and test scores are submitted to ABC in O&P on a monthly basis.
Orthotics Prosthetics Canada
The following courses have been approved for mandatory continuing education (MCE) credits by OPC for these certified professionals and registered technicians: CO(c), CPO(c), RTO(c), and RTPO(c).
- Course 1: Assessment for DAFOs (2 credits)
- Course 2: Brace Selection (2.5 credits)
- Course 3: Casting and Scanning for DAFOs (1 credit)
- Course 4: Ordering Custom DAFOs (1.5 credits)
- Course 5: Fit & Wear (1 credit)
- Course 6: Fast Fit Solutions (1.5 credits)
In order to receive credit for the above-listed courses, you must pass the final course test with a score of 80% correct or better.
Physical Therapists (state APTA chapters and state licensing boards)
Our courses are not pre-approved with the individual state licensing boards. You can check with your state board for information on applying for CEUs for our courses, and we will be happy to assist with the required documentation.