Conductive Education (CE) is a unique method of teaching children with motor development problems. Developed in Hungary in 1945, CE is not therapy, but a multi-disciplinary system of education focusing on a child's emotional and cognitive growth as well as motor function. Children are taught to see themselves as active and self-reliant participants in the world.
Motor skills are taught in a comprehensive way integrating the skills needed for everyday tasks with songs and games. The children learn to move their bodies, constantly transitioning from on position to the next. For example, while singing about baking a cake, the children go through the motions stretching their arm and shoulder muscles, gripping the spoon correctly, rotating their wrists to stir, and practicing independent sitting -- all skills necessary for self-feeding. They are taught to balance during stationary functions such as sitting, self-feeding, and table work. Total vertical walking is encouraged for every child. The child uses independent movement and concentration without the help of outside assistance whenever possible. In sum, the goals of self-reliance and confidence is pursued through the performance of basic tasks.
The philosophy behind CE is based on the inherent adaptive powers of the brain and neurological system. Through repetition of tasks, the brain finds an alternate path to send messages to the muscle groups in order to create the desired movement. Instead of specialized , complicated equipment, the children use simple ladder back chairs and slatted tables for a variety of tasks throughout the day. No wheelchairs are used. Children are asked d to walk or move in some fashion on their own from one activity to the next.
Group interaction is also a key element of the program. Children of the same age or level are given similar tasks and work according to their particular level of ability. As in any good classroom, the children learn from and are encouraged by each other.
The enormous attraction of CE lies in its apparent results. Visitors to the Petö Institute in Hungary over the past 20 years have noted that motor delayed children do not just function better than might be expected, but also seem happier, more self-assured and less handicapped. Records indicate that of the children who have participated in the full-time course at the Institute, two-thirds to three-quarters go on to enter school without the need for adaptations, assistance, or aids.
Although CE is well established in England, Canada, Germany, Israel, and other countries, access in the U.S. remains virtually nonexistent. One full-time program has been established in the U.S.; The Conductive Education Center of Long Island. A few organizations offer a four or five week summer session. With few or no local options each year, several dedicated American parents endure the stress, struggle and expense of spending months away from their family and home while their child participates at The International Institute in Budapest, Hungary. The waiting list for studying in Hungary is typically a year long.
In order for children to benefit from any program, the training has to be on going. That is why some parents of children with Cerebral Palsy, and other motor disorders, in the National Capital area have organized and incorporated The Capital Association for Conductive Education (CACE). A non-profit organization which is working to open a school for Conductive Education in the Washington area. CACE is supported by parents, friends, and families of children with motor disabilities who want the best for their children and are willing to work to make it possible.
For more information on Conductive Education, and to make a donation, please contact: