Programs

GaitWay's Conductive Education Program

What is Conductive Education?

Conductive Education (CE) is an educational system designed to teach those with motor disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, to function independently and self-sufficiently. The focus of CE is on the total development of the individual with particular attention to the integration and development of motor, intellectual, and social skills. CE approaches physical disabilities from an educational rather than medical perspective.

Specific motor development occurs through activities that are more than mechanical exercises. Participating in an activity can serve as a model for problem solving and can help the individual to 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 individuals and one or more teachers and assistants. The group is led through tasks designed to break down movement into simple segments. The client is urged to initiate each movement at a slow tempo, receiving assistance as needed.

Through repetitive tasks, using "rhythmic intention" (the rhythm of music), 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; standing upright and stepping holding onto a ladder; sitting at a table, maintaining balance and correct posture; performing a series of exercises lying on the table to increase strength and range of motion; and practicing individualized tasks designed to reach specific goals (for example, drinking from a cup or using a spoon and fork, using the bathroom, dressing, and improving fine or gross manipulation abilities).

Who teaches Conductive Education at GaitWay?

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, in the United States, there is a Conductive Education Teacher Program at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

What are the Benefits of Conductive Education?

Benefits

It promotes independence It's interactive It's a place to meet new friends It's a place where you get support It's challenging You are not alone!

What is the Program Format?

The format is flexible and designed to meet the individual needs of each client, who 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 individuals improve their day-to-day lives. CE teaches them to do more for themselves. Some may acquire skills like rolling, crawling, sitting, standing, and walking with or without assistance. All will experience muscle strengthening and flexibility. Most importantly, CE enables the achievement of a higher level of self-reliance and self-esteem.

CE offers a positive experience for both the clients and their families.

Day Treatment for Young Adults

Space is available in GaitWay's day program for young adults. Using the principles of CE, problem-solving techniques are taught that help with the activities of daily living and mobility and improve the quality of life for individuals with motor impairments. Strength and flexibility will be improved using the principles of Pilates, which focus on core strength and joint flexibility. Program activities include opportunities for social interaction, learning to ride the bus, and going to the bank, laundromat, mall, and movies. Young adults can attend the program up to 7 hours each day, either full or part time based on their needs. Support staff is available.

Days and Times: Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-3 p.m

Call Mary Hare at 520-751-8000, or email Mary@SWGaitWay.org

Afternoon Respite Program for Children with Disabilities, Ages 3 - 18

GaitWay  provides  a safe, caring, respite environment.

Days and Times: Monday through Friday 1:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Call Mary Hare at 520-751-8000, or email Mary@SWGaitWay.org

We are sorry, but we cannot provide respite for children with severe medical or behavioral issues.

2005 Individual Achievements Association Program Evaluation