Join us on Tuesday, September 8, at 11:00 a.m. (Washington, DC time or EST) on the webinar "World Physiotherapy Day: The Importance and Benefits of Physiotherapy Services". This webinar, organized in collaboration with World Physiotherapy, and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), will feature a concise panel discussion and patient testimonies highlighting how rehabilitation affects daily functioning and its role in strengthening primary health care and advancing universal health coverage.
Objectives of the webinar
- To raise awareness of the importance and benefits of physiotherapy services.
- Promote staff well-being and reinforce the importance of integrating rehabilitation into health systems.
- Foster collaboration with key partners around shared advocacy messages on equity, access, and functional independence.
How to participate
- DATE: Tuesday, September 8, 2026
- TIME: 11:00 a.m. (Washington, DC time or EST) [Check at the end of the page the time in other cities]
- LANGUAGES: English and Spanish, with simultaneous interpretation in those languages.
- REGISTER: https://paho-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Jz1BWjX8RrGIF_wcER1Nxg#/registration
Agenda
11:00 a.m. Welcome remarks, Silvana Luciani. Unit Chief, Non-communicable diseases, violence, and Injury prevention, PAHO
11:05 a.m. Opening Remarks, Anselm Hennis, Department Director, Non-communicable diseases and Mental Health, PAHO
11:10 a.m. Panel discussion, moderated by Silvana Luciani
- Mike Landry, President of World Physiotherapy
- Ann Nicholson, World Physiotherapy Program Manager
- Skye Donovan, American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Vice President
- Gustavo Perez, Regional Rehabilitation and Disability Advisor, PAHO
- Justin Moore, Chief Executive Officer, APTA
12:05 p.m. Live testimonies of two patients who will share their experience on how physiotherapy and rehabilitation improved their functioning and helped them regain their independence
12:25 p.m. Closing remarks, Silvana Luciani. Unit Chief, Non-communicable diseases, violence, and Injury prevention, PAHO
Context
World Physiotherapy Day is observed globally on 8 September to recognize the contribution of physiotherapists and rehabilitation services to health, function, and participation. Rehabilitation is an essential health service and a core component of universal health coverage, helping people across the life course achieve and maintain their highest possible level of functioning.
Health systems that aim to be equitable and people-centered must include rehabilitation within the continuum of care, from health promotion to long-term support. In the Region of the Americas, strengthening rehabilitation contributes to better access, improved function, and reduced disability-related barriers to participation.
Time in other cities
- 8:00 a.m. – Los Angeles, Vancouver.
- 9:00 a.m. - Belmopan, Guatemala City, Managua, Mexico City, San Salvador, San José (Costa Rica), Tegucigalpa.
- 10:00 a.m. - Bogotá, Kingston, Lima, Panama City, Quito,
- 11:00 a.m. - Bridgetown, Caracas, Georgetown, Havana, La Paz, Nassau, Ottawa, Port-au-Prince, Port of Spain, San Juan, Santo Domingo, Saint George's, Saint John's (Antigua), Santiago, Washington D.C.
- 12:00 p.m. – Asunción, Buenos Aires, Brasilia, Montevideo, Paramaribo.
- 5:00 p.m. – Geneva, Madrid.
For other cities, check the local times in the following link.