AAC 2026: Ataxia conference offers learning, community, and fun
2026 event features comedian Fiona Cauley, science educator Bill Nye
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The 2026 Annual Ataxia Conference (AAC) will bring participants together next week for a three-day event of learning, connection, and fun-filled activities.
The meeting, organized by the National Ataxia Foundation (NAF), will be held April 9-11 at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Florida.
Advance registration is open until April 8. Registration at the door is not recommended.
Participants can choose to attend in person or virtually. The advance in-person rate is $350 and provides both on-site and virtual access to the event. There is a virtual-only option for $50 that offers online access, including access to the Virtual Vibe Hub, a live chat space for virtual participants to interact during the conference.
This year’s program includes educational sessions on ataxia management, opportunities to socialize, and, perhaps most important, the chance to have fun.
“I’m really proud of the work that the staff does in pulling this off every year,” says Andrew Rosen, CEO of NAF.
Education, social support, and a party
This year’s conference is packed with a range of sessions. Topics include:
- preparing for neurology appointments
- managing fatigue
- accessing social services
- understanding genetic testing
- learning about the latest drug developments
- hosting a Walk n’ Roll event
A panel discussion on Saturday will focus on the realities of living with ataxia. It will feature three patients: Friedreich’s Ataxia News columnist Matt Lafleur, Ottawa-based chef Troy Stewart, and Amy DeLeon, the outreach coordinator of the Global Ataxia Support Group.
Opportunities to interact with peers include Birds of a Feather gatherings, where attendees can meet others with the same ataxia type or shared interests. Each session is facilitated by an ataxia expert who will ensure a safe space for participants to discuss issues, ask questions, and learn from one another.
Guests can socialize at a meet-and-greet reception on Friday afternoon and at a Saturday night banquet. In addition to a dinner and a dance party, the Saturday event includes a keynote by Nashville-based comedian Fiona Cauley, who is living with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA).
Cauley will be introduced by science educator Bill Nye, host of the television show Bill Nye the Science Guy.
Rosen, who has organized the conference for several years, says he’s seen many first-time attendees transform over the weekend. While they may arrive feeling a bit unsure, they often leave visibly empowered and connected, he says.
“I think the big thing is that they just don’t feel like they’re alone anymore,” Rosen says.
Organizers have incorporated icebreaker activities to help attendees, especially those who are shy or new to AAC, build connections and feel more at ease, Rosen notes. “I would highly encourage anyone who can to join us,” he says, “because it really is empowering when you’re with your group of people.”
Note: The Friedreich’s Ataxia News team is providing live coverage of the 2026 Annual Ataxia Conference April 9-11 in Orlando, Florida. Go here to see the latest stories from the conference.
