ERI’s Look Ahead to 2026

What’s in Store for the New Year: A Look Back at 2025 and a Peek Into 2026

As we move full steam ahead into 2026, we’re taking a moment to reflect on everything that made 2025 such an exciting and meaningful year for ERI. It was a year filled with growth, innovation, community connection, and record‑breaking milestones. We can’t wait to build on that momentum in the year ahead.

Let’s take a look at what happened, what’s new, and what’s coming next…

A Year of Learning: Webinars, In‑Person Courses & On‑Demand Growth

We strive to provide the best continuing education possible for occupational therapists, physical therapists and speech language pathologists. In 2025, our team delivered over 120 live webinars, as well as 13 in-person courses hosted across the country. We also added 9 new on‑demand courses to our growing library, and that doesn’t even include the many sessions from our Therapies in the School and Birth to Three conferences, which were developed into online formats for more flexible access.

And we’re just getting started. Plans are well underway to expand our on‑demand offerings even further throughout 2026, giving you even more ways to learn on your schedule and more topics to choose from. 

Our Community Keeps Growing

This past year, we welcomed new faculty members and introduced 11 brand-new courses to ensure our topic list stays relevant, evidence-based, and impactful for therapists everywhere.

We also expanded our internal team with the addition of Jill Baker, our wonderful new Marketing Coordinator. Jill has infused fresh energy into our social media and marketing efforts, and we couldn’t be more excited to have her on board!

A Record-Breaking Therapies in the School Conference

November 2025 marked the 25th Annual Therapies in the School Conference and our highest virtual attendance ever! Participants joined us from 36 U.S. states, 4 Canadian provinces, and even Australia.

The two-day event featured inspiring sessions led by passionate experts, along with vibrant engagement and back-and-forth dialogue among attendees. Thanks to the Whova app, the virtual space truly felt connected and collaborative.

We also introduced our first-ever virtual exhibitor – Double Time Docs – and the real-time interaction added tremendous value to the experience. Participants enjoyed learning more about their product and having and asking questions in real-time. We had our first Gold Sponsor, Rifton, as well as a record number of Product Sponsors with dozens of giveaways for our well-deserving therapists!

📢 Mark your calendars:
Next year’s conference will be held virtually on November 5–6, 2026.

Birth to Three Conference Continues to Gain Momentum

While Therapies in the School has long been our flagship event, our newer Birth to Three Conference is rapidly growing into a beloved annual gathering in its own right.

Our 2nd Annual Birth to Three Conference, hosted in spring 2025, was an incredible success. Designed for OTs, PTs, SLPs, special educators, assistants, and others working with the birth‑to‑three population, the conference provided hands-on strategies and practical tools for early intervention and pediatric care across diverse settings — including hospitals, private practices, rehab facilities, home care, and more. 

The conference included a special guest lunch session by Dr. Becky of Good Inside, as well as multiple Facility Partners. These partners helped promote the conference by uniting the birth‑to‑three therapy community and inspiring their staff through a strong example of their commitment to professional development. We’re thrilled to see this event gaining traction and can’t wait to continue expanding it in the years ahead. 

📢 Mark your calendars:
This year’s Birth to Three Conference will take place on March 26 and 27, 2026.

Thank You, 2025…and Here’s to 2026!

Reflecting on this past year, we’re filled with gratitude for our dedicated faculty, our hardworking team, and the thousands of therapists who choose ERI as part of their professional journey. Your commitment to learning fuels everything we do.

We already have big plans underway for 2026, including new faculty, new topics, new on-demand launches, and even new and better ways to purchase your CEUs with us. We continue to improve in all aspects of our company so that you can have the best experience possible. 

It’s going to be another amazing year of education, connection, and growth. Thank you for trusting us with your professional development and for your continued loyalty throughout the years. 

Cheers,
The ERI Team

Botulism in the PICU: the Critical Role of Speech-Language Pathologists

Woman taking powdered infant formula with scoop

 

Starting in November 2024, a botulism outbreak linked to baby formula has affected at least 51 infants across 19 states. Point prevalence study data continues to track these cases as health officials monitor the outbreak’s scope. While physicians have led the medical management of these cases in intensive care, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) have played an essential role in supporting recovery, particularly in feeding and swallowing rehabilitation.

Overview of Infant Botulism

Infant botulism is an intestinal toxemia caused when spores of Clostridium botulinum or related species are ingested. These spores colonize the infant’s large intestine and produce botulinum neurotoxin, which disrupts acetylcholine release at cholinergic nerve terminals. Understanding risk factors for exposure is essential for prevention. This interference can lead to:

  • Bulbar palsies
  • Hypotonia (muscle weakness)
  • Asymmetric, descending, flaccid paralysis

Signs and Symptoms

Infants with botulism may present with:

  • Constipation
  • Poor feeding
  • Ptosis (drooping eyelid)
  • Sluggish pupils
  • Flattened facial expression
  • Diminished suck and gag reflexes
  • Weak or altered cry
  • Respiratory difficulty, potentially leading to respiratory arrest

Treatment & The Role of SLPs

Baby bottle with mother and child in backgroundMedical treatment typically includes BabyBIG®, a human antitoxin for infant botulism. In severe cases, respiratory support via intubation may be required. However, recovery extends beyond antitoxin administration—feeding and swallowing difficulties often persist, and this is where SLPs are indispensable.

SLPs provide comprehensive assessment and intervention to address patient needs related to swallowing and feeding issues. Their work includes:

  • Bedside clinical exams
  • Video fluoroscopy swallow studies
  • Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)

Speech-language pathologists assess an infant’s ability to latch, efficiently transfer liquids, and swallow safely. During BabyBIG® treatment and recovery, many infants require alternative methods of nutrition and hydration based on their individual feeding needs. SLP intervention focuses on supporting safe sucking and swallowing while closely monitoring changes throughout the illness and recovery process. Collaboration with occupational and physical therapists, alongside appropriate staffing involvement, ensures a comprehensive, family‑centered approach that includes family members in supporting the infant’s overall development and recovery.

Conclusion: Why SLPs Matter In Infant Botulism Care

Infant botulism is a rare but serious condition that can compromise essential functions like feeding and breathing. While antitoxin therapy addresses the underlying cause, functional recovery depends heavily on restoring safe swallowing and feeding skills. SLPs bring specialized expertise to this process, reducing complications such as aspiration and malnutrition, and promoting developmental progress. Their role is not just supportive—it is critical to survival and long-term health outcomes for effected infants.

Growing Clinician Expertise

Speech-Language Pathologists looking to advance their skills are invited to join our live webinar 3rd Annual Birth to Three Conference on March 26-27, 2026. Taking a whole-child approach, SLPs in all settings can choose your track to:

  • Reframe reflux
  • Diagnose and treat apraxia
  • Manage esophageal dysphagia
  • Empower communication with AAC tools
  • Maximize trunk support for feeding and speech
  • Support Therapeutic Engagement
  • Understand the cardiovascular system

Learn more and register. Sign up today!

Citations:

Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program. California Department of Public Health. https://infantbotulism.org

Aleccia, J. (2025, December 10) How a rare drug made from scientists’ blood saves babies from botulism. AP News. https://apnews.com/article/infant-botulism-babybig-byheart-cd5f396324e5d636ed3fae805955acbe

Steiner, B. (2021, May 14) Speech Pathology in the NICU. UF Health Jacksonville. https://ufhealthjax.org/stories/2021/speech-pathology-in-the-nicu

(2024, April 24) Clinical Overview of Infant Botulis. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/botulism/hcp/clinical-overview/infant-botulism.html

Want free CEUs? Announcing ERI’s Birth to Three Scholarships!

scholarship therapist

 

Join Education Resources, Inc. at our 2026 Birth to Three Conference with two scholarships for free CEUs. These respected scholarships reward therapists who make a difference in the Birth to Three community.

 

 

Birth to Three Excellence in Clinical Practice Scholarship

Celebrating an unsung hero who:

  • Leads, innovates, mentors, and collaborates
  • Demonstrates exceptional assessment and intervention skills
  • Embodies collaboration, leadership, integrity, and passion

👉 Nominate yourself or a peer.

Birth to Three New to Practice Scholarship

Supporting a new therapist with strong potential to:

  • Meet children’s needs
  • Collaborate with colleagues, parents, and providers

👉 Nominate yourself or a peer.

📢 Don’t wait! Apply today

  • Nomination deadline February 15th.
  • The nominee must be an occupational therapist, physical therapist, speech language pathologist, or OT/PT/SLP assistant.
  • The nominee must currently practice therapy in a birth to three setting

Winners will be announced in late February and honored at the conference.

👉 Join year’s Birth to Three conference!

  • Conference Dates: March 26–27, 2026
  • Scholarship Deadline: February 15, 2026
  • Early Bird Discount Ends: December 31, 2025. Don’t miss $100 off two-day registration!

🎟️ Register today and secure your spot!

 

Take $40 Off Any ERI Course This Season

Let’s keep the savings going all season long! Enjoy $40 off any ERI course through January 9, 2026. Browse our live webinars, on-demands or in-person courses and redeem this discount using coupon code HOLIDAY40 at checkout. 

 

 

What’s Available To You?

We have a variety of settings to choose from, including both live webinars and on-demands. Our continuing education courses are designed for physical therapists, occupational therapists or speech language pathologists…we offer something for everyone:  

Questions? Contact us at info@educationresourcesinc.com or call 800-487-6530 to speak with a team member. Happy shopping!

Birth to Three Social Media Ambassadors Needed!

Join ERI as a Birth to Three Social Media Ambassador!

social media ambassador job opening remote work OT PTAre you an OT, PT, or SLP who loves connecting with therapy communities online? Do you enjoy sharing ideas, learning from others, and staying active on social media? If so, this opportunity might be perfect for you!

At ERI, our mission is simple: deliver clinically relevant, evidence-based continuing education while reminding therapists why they love what they do. As a Social Media Ambassador, you’ll help us bring that mission to life by fostering meaningful conversations and connections across therapy communities nationwide (and even worldwide)!

This is a remote role that combines independent, self-directed work with monthly virtual collaboration alongside our passionate clinical team. We’re a small, dedicated, and supportive group, and we’re excited to welcome two new ambassadors to help us grow.

Specifications

We’re specifically looking for therapists who have expertise in the birth to three pediatrics setting to:

  • Engage in social media groups and accounts (Facebook, Instagram) through posts, shares, comments, polls and stories.
  • Share clinically relevant insights with ERI’s clinical and marketing teams.
  • Join a monthly virtual meeting with our Assistant Director of Continuing Education.

If you’re ready to make an impact and connect with fellow therapists, download the full job description for additional details on qualifications, skills and compensation.

*If you are a hospital-based clinician who would like to be a conference ambassador, please reach out to our Director of CE, Carolyn Cwalinski at: ccwalinski@educationresourcesinc.com to inquire. 

Read to Apply?

To apply for the Birth to Three Social Media Ambassador role, please complete the application survey and upload your CV/resume as part of the submission: access survey here. 

Deadline for submissions: Sunday, January 11, 2026.

We can’t wait to learn more about you and explore how you can help us connect with therapy communities nationwide! Questions? Reach out to us at info@educationresourcesinc.com or call 800-487-6530 to speak with a team member.