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CONDUCTIVE EDUCATION

Helping individuals with neurological and mobility impairment

A FOUNDATION FOR INCREASED INDEPENDENCE

Conductive Education places an emphasis on helping individuals with neurological and mobility impairment to learn to help themselves. CE has been shown to increase a person’s self esteem, level of motivation and general health as well as increasing their ability to function independently.

Neurological conditions create a wide range of developmental challenges that can involve areas of fine and gross motor movement, perception, cognition, social skills, emotional development, speech, language and communication. These deficits, in turn, can significantly affect motivation, confidence and personality. Ultimately it is the whole personality that is impacted by the condition.

Conductive Education was pioneered in the 1940s by Dr. Andras Peto (1893-1967). Peto believed individuals with motor disorders were not fundamentally different from other people. He believed they need to be taught how to use their body in their own way to lead them to ortho function.

Conductive Education (CE) is an educational re/habilitation method that enhances the plasticity of the brain by engaging participants with motor disorders, caused by damage to the central nervous system, at any age. Plasticity of the brain means we see that the brain can change and grow as new learning concepts are introduced. Conductive Education is appropriate for individuals with Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, TBI, Stroke, and other motor disorders, providing programs as young as 6 months of age through adults. Candidates for CE should be able to show signs of understanding, follow verbal communication, and simple instructions.

CE is a holistic approach, aiming to develop the personality of the participant, as well as the physical, social, and cognitive development.

Conductive Education focuses on the whole person. Individuals develop self-determination and an “I Can!” attitude by taking some responsibility for their own movement. The program focuses on daily life skills that include sitting, eating, walking, toileting and dressing independence.