There are millions of children and adults with motor disorders, across North America, who could be learning how to become more mobile, independent and self-confident with a dynamic learning system called Conductive Education (CE).
On Thursday, Feb. 19, the 37 member organizations of The Association for Conductive Education in North America (ACENA) join together to advocate the power and purpose of Conductive Education. In West Michigan, the Conductive Learning Center (CLC) expands its National Conductive Education Day advocacy and educational events into a multi-day “Believe in Conductive Education” celebration:
- Conductive Education Today: Global and Local Perspectives – Feb. 18, 8-9 a.m.
Donnelly Center, Aquinas College, 1607 Robinson Road SE
Informal panel discussion will share basics of Conductive Education (CE), how it migrated to North America from its beginnings in Hungary, and its present reach and impact. Today’s global perspectives on CE will be discussed, as well as implications for CE’s future in North America. Complimentary coffee and pastries.
Register to attend here
- CLC Discovery Day Tours – Feb. 19, 9:30-10:30 a.m. & 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Conductive Learning Center, 2428 Burton SE
This is a great opportunity for prospective families and community partners to learn more about the programs and impact of CLC. These info sessions, comprised of a short presentation, classroom tour and Q&A wrap-up, will be held two times this day.
Register to attend here
Developed more than sixty years ago in Hungary by Dr. András Pető, Conductive Education maximizes the independence and mobility of children and adults with motor disabilities, including stroke survivors, and those with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, acquired brain injuries, Parkinson's disease and spina bifida. CE operates from a core belief in neuroplasticity – the lifelong ability of the brain to reorganize neural pathways based on new experiences – and on the premise that no matter how severe the disability, people can learn and improve when they are motivated. Conductive Education helps individuals learn their way to independence. CE is a widely accepted practice with proven success across the globe, and is integrated into the community rehabilitation and educational systems in Hungary, Israel, Germany and Great Britain.
Conductive Education has the potential to make a significant, life-changing impact on the mobility and independence of close to 9 million people in the United States and Canada. Millions more will also indirectly benefit – spouses, parents and caregivers – by having loved ones become more independent, motivated and self-sufficient.
“Through Conductive Education, I've seen the other side, the vast potential that is my son Bryce, and it’s utterly addicting,” says Bryce’s mom Katrina, noting the tremendous progress made after one four-week session.
“He made full-scale, across-the-board progress that makes his past progress seem just silly. Every milestone before CLC came so slowly, that it was hard to even celebrate,” said Katrina. “But CLC is the real deal. I’ve personally witnessed subtle, consistent changes in Bryce. Among all the other accomplishments – more social independence, an eagerness to communicate, feeding himself with a fork, potty trained – I witnessed full-blown, absolutely independent steps! FOUR of them! Seeing Bryce have the opportunity to succeed on his own, interact with peers and be in a group of children with similar challenges has been life altering.”
“We recognize National Conductive Education Day as a way to raise awareness of this important and innovative educational program,” says Karen Mueller O’Neill, Executive Director of the Conductive Learning Center. “It is our hope and dream to expand CE to all in Michigan – and moreover, North America – who would benefit.”
To find out if Conductive Education is right for you or a loved one, or for more information about the Conductive Learning Center, please contact Andrea Benyovszky, Program Director at (616) 575-0575 or email [email protected].
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