Conductive Education
What is Conductive Education?
Conductive Education (CE) is an educational system designed to teach
children with motor disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, to function
independently and self-sufficiently. The focus of CE is on the total
development of the child with particular attention on the integration
and development of motor, intellectual, and social skills.
CE approaches physical disabilities from an educational rather than
medical perspective.
View the PowerPoint Presentation: What is Conductive Education?
Specific motor development occurs through activities which are more
than mechanical exercises. Participating in an activity can serve
as a model for problem solving and can help the child become an independent
learner. The dysfunctional elements of disabilities are approached
as learning problems.
CE usually takes place in a classroom setting with a small group
of children and one or more teachers and assistants. The group is
led through tasks designed to break down movement into simple segments.
The child is urged to initiate each movement at a slow tempo receiving
assistance as needed.
Through repetitive tasks, using the rhythm of music, "rhythmic
intention," the injured brain can frequently find alternative
pathways to send messages to the muscle groups to create the desired
movements.
A typical day of CE will include stretching the arms and legs; practice
standing upright and stepping holding on to a ladder; sitting at
a table, maintaining balance and correct posture; a series of exercises
lying on the table to increase strength and range of motion; and
individualized tasks designed to reach specific goals. For example,
practice drinking from a cup or using a spoon and fork, using the
bathroom, dressing, improving fine or gross manipulation abilities,
etc
Who Teaches
CE? 
The Conductive Education Teacher has four or more years of intensive
training working with children and adults with motor and learning
disabilities. Many of the conductors are educated in Budapest, Hungary
where CE was developed more than 50 years ago. A conductor has the
equivalent of a degree in Special Education for the Motor Disabled.
Currently, there is a Conductive Education Teacher Program at Aquinas
College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Who May
Benefit? 
Children from 2 to 18 years old with motor
disabilities.
What is the
Program Format? 
The format is flexible and designed to
meet the individual needs of children and their parents. With fewer
than six children in each group, each receives individual attention
and constant supervision.
What are
the Results? 
Conductive Education is not a cure for Cerebral Palsy or
other disabilities. Our methods are aimed at helping children
make improvements in their day-to-day lives. CE teaches children
to do more for themselves. Some children may acquire skills like
rolling, crawling, sitting, standing and walking with or without
assistance. All children will experience muscle strengthening and
flexibility. Most importantly, CE enables children to achieve a
higher level of self-reliance and self-esteem.
CE offers a positive experience for children and families.
2005 Individual Achievements Association Program Evaluation
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