Conductive Education
Conductive Education is a unique Hungarian teaching method developed about sixty years ago by a doctor/educator named Dr. András Peto. Dr. Peto specifically designed his education system for children and adults with neuro-motor disabilities (stroke survivors, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and acquired brain injuries).
Conductive Education molds physical activities with cognitive tasks, emphasizes communication and places the individuals in group settings to stimulate their senses and body on multiple levels, which maximizes active learning and functionality. Conductive Education is offered in various group and individual settings in North America. Its professionals are the Conductors/Conductive Education Teachers, who hold a bachelor/master degree in Conductive Education and regular education teaching. Conductive Education focuses on the child’s/adult’s potential and ultimately attempts to shift the disabled personality to a physically and emotionally independent mind set regardless of the equipment they may or may not use for the long or short term. Depending on the age group in Conductive Education, the Conductors introduce individualized problem solving methods which are followed by a very consistent and functional practice. As a result the student/adult realize their success which helps them to stay motivated and physically and cognitively active during their every day routine.
Unlike many other countries Conductive Education is only part of a few schools or health-care systems in North America. Most centers which offer some type of Conductive Education services are private non-profit organizations, but there are also several independent Conductors working on the northern side of the American continent. Conductive Education’s main clientele are children with motor skill disabilities like cerebral palsy. Candidates for Conductive Education should be able to show basic cognitive skills and should show signs of understanding and following verbal communication and simple instructions.