Conductive Education is a unique system of special education for children with motor disorders which was developed in Hungary, in 1945, by Dr. Andras Peto at his Peto Institute. Since then, centers for Conductive Education has opened worldwide including The United Kingdom, Australia, Hong Kong and Israel.
Ortho-function is the capacity to solve the problems of daily living from dressing, eating and practicing personal hygiene to living independently. Children with motor disabilites are taught to see themselves as people who can do, who can be active participants in the world as it is.
The specific movements and structure of the daily physical routine are
designed to promote normal muscle and bone development thus eliminating
the need for certain surgeries. For example, frictional weight-bearing
leads to the correct formation of hip joints, legs and feet. Conductive
Education can effectively prevent deformities which are the outcome of
abuse.
How are these goals achieved?
Success comes through the work of one professional, a conductor, who is
trained in all aspects of physical, intelluctual, social, emotional, and
psychological development. Each child is viewed as a whole human being
and his or her progress is continually evaluated. The conductor sets goals
which are broken down into task series (bending and stretching limbs,
closing and opening hands, sitting tall, rolling, etc.) that are key to
basic functional movements. For example, bending a knee is the beginning
of walking and raising an arm can lead to independent eating. Using
verbal commands, the conductor prepares each child to mentally approach the
task, which is then carried out to rhythmical counting, singing or music.
In this way, the conductor orchestrates all of the child's learning by
integrating movement with communicative, cognitive and sensory learning
while teaching self-sufficiency. The conductor is responsible for motivating
the children to become active participants in their learning and to successfully
complete their tasks.
This system of intense activity build physical stamina and independence.
It takes place in group settings to encourage peer interaction and support.
These positive elements inspire children to attain greater heights of
accomplishment. Conductive Education is a people-powered approach to learning with a high teacher/aide-to-pupil ratio.
Why chose Conductive Education?
Parents appreciate the humanistic and holistic philosophy of Conductive
Education because it views children as they do, as whole human beings.
By participating in parent/child classes, parents learn handling techniques
which enable them to facilitate their children's rehabilitation. They
draw strength from the positive, lively, structured nature of Conductive
Education. Parents can see their children learning, making progress -- and
having fun! These techniques can then be incorporated into family life,
making Conductive Education a way of life.
Children gain self-esteem and a sense of normalcy with Conductive Education because they work in groups and experience success daily. They work with simple wood furniture which is ideal for grasping, pushing and pulling. For example, a ladderback chair is used for pulling-up to stand, and then for pushing to walk.
Teachers, doctors and therapists share with us the goal of independence
for motor-disordered children. They recognize the value of integrating
the various disciplines as a means to achive that end.
What else does the center offer?
Speech, art, music and massage therapies, parent support groups, a library
of information on a variety of traditional and alternative therapeutic
approaches, medical advances and support staff of professionals.
The Conductive Education Center of Long Island is a NYS Department of
Health Early Intervention Service Provider and Coordinator. Conductive
Education can be coordinated with other services for children with motor
disorders.
Who will be our students?
Children from six months to five years old who have been diagnosed with
cerebral palsy and who demonstrate an ability to learn.
Please send all comments, or suggestions to samym@aol.com