Lyla's acceptance into the Conductive Learning Center

For the past couple of weeks we have been working on sending in Lyla's admission packet to the Conductive Learning Center in Grand Rapids, MI.  Her physical therapist had recommended the program for her, she had a previous patient go a couple of years ago and that patient made huge strides in her development after spending a month there. 

Information on Conductive Learning--
“Isn’t there something more I can do for my child?” The Conductive Learning Center serves children birth to age 26 with motor disorders related to complications of prematurity, Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida or brain injury. For these children with motor disorders, even the smallest tasks – eating, buttoning a shirt, sitting in a chair –can be monumental. The Conductive Learning Center (CLC) can change that.

Conductive education methodology has a transformative effect on mobility and independence. Using a holistic and intensive approach that combines medical knowledge with educational methods, your child can gain control over his or her body – and accomplish tasks you may never thought possible.
With increased mobility, strength, problem-solving skills, confidence, and self-esteem, not only will your child’s quality of life be improved, but so will the whole families.

Conductive Education is a psycho-educational approach that focuses primarily on the child’s personality and lifestyle, integrating physiological and medical aspects. It is a combined special education and physical therapy, based on Peto’s theory that motor control can be learned. The approach focuses on improving the physical effects of a disability while encouraging motivation to become independent and increasing self esteem. The desired outcome is maximal independence called orthofunction, which refers to the ability to enter school, the community, and ultimately the workforce with minimal or no artificial aids. This total approach to learning and training targets children under the age of six, when the potential for impact is greatest, and they can be prepared for the traditional classroom. “When you do not educate the child to be independent, you educate the child to be dependent.” Maria Hari, former director of the Peto Institute.

We are thrilled that she was accepted, she will attend March 12 - April 5, M-F 8:30 am - 1 pm.  Now we are trying to iron out the details: a place to stay in Grand Rapids for a month, how to take care of Liam while Lyla and I are gone, and figuring out when Preston and Liam can come and visit.  Any suggestion are welcome! 

Here is a youtube link for the video part of her application.  http://www.youtube.com/user/prestonstaudt