The Juvenile Arthritis Symposium is for children between the ages of 3-17 with any form of arthritis or related disease and their families. The Symposium is hosted by the Arthritis Foundation-Arizona. This year’s theme is The Art of Self-Determination: Confidence, Care, Advocacy and Awareness.

The Symposium is offered at minimal cost to children with juvenile arthritis or related disease or their families. The Program provides well-planned, safe activities that are fun, challenging and educational. The Symposium often provides the first opportunity these children and their parents have to meet others who share their life experiences; consequently, they feel stronger and more energized in dealing with their own diseases' particular challenges.

The Symposium focuses on developing each participant’s knowledge on dealing with the pain that juvenile arthritis can bring to a family. There will be two tracks at the Symposium, one for children and one for the parents. The children’s breakout sessions include working effectively as a team, developing trust, building self-esteem, and enhancing healthy living and joint protection exercise skills. The adult breakout sessions include creating a cohesive family unit, stress and relaxation techniques, developing caregiver skills, and enhancing healthy living and joint protection exercise skills. The purpose of the Symposium is to expose participants to experiences and lessons that teach the skills to maintain a healthy lifestyle, give families an opportunity to meet their peers for shared experience and support, and allow kids and parents to feel confident in their knowledge of treatment options and themselves.

To download the 2013 JA Symposium registration form, click here.

To download the 2013 JA Symposium volunteer form, click here.

Vendors interested in having a booth at the 2013 JA Symposium can download the vendor registration form along with the sponsorhip level descriptions below:

2013 JA Symposium vendor registration form and sponsorship descriptions.