On Thursday, February 20th, the Conductive Learning Center asks you to join in the celebration of Conductive Education across the nation. Conductive education is an intensive, multi-disciplinary approach to education, training and development for individuals with motor challenges.
Developed over sixty years ago in Hungary by Dr. András Pető, Conductive Education (CE) maximizes the independence and mobility of children with disabilities like cerebral palsy, acquired brain injuries, 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.
On Thursday, February 20th, the member organizations that comprise The Association for Conductive Education in North America (ACENA) will be celebrating Conductive Education Day 2014. ACENA acknowledges and promotes the practice of Conductive Education, as well as represents the programs and professionals providing the services within the North American Continent.
Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell and East Grand Rapids Mayor Amna Seibold have both proclaimed February 20th, 2014 as Conductive Education Day, and "encourage all citizens to support this important program that increases the independence of people with disabilities".
Conductive Learning Center (CLC), located in Grand Rapids, currently serves children ages birth to 26 with motor disabilities, primarily spina bifida, cerebral palsy, and traumatic brain injury. At CLC, the child is viewed as a learner and the Conductor Teacher promotes confidence, motivation and an understanding of how each child can learn to perform everyday movements to become more independent in their functioning within their homes, schools and eventually in the workforce.
Long time CLC student Matt Smith says "Cerebral palsy will not claim me. I will live on and work hard to overcome my life long challenge that is cerebral palsy. The CLC is a place I depend on for knowledge, guidance, support and most importantly, friendship."
In celebration of National Conductive Education day 2014, CLC is hosting a celebration, featuring an informal panel where the community can speak with students and Conductor Teachers about the impact of Conductive Education. This celebration is open to the public and will take place from 4-6 pm in the Moose Cafe on the Aquinas College campus. CLC also welcomes anyone that would like a tour of the program that day. Please email [email protected] with any questions or to schedule a visit.
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