What it is: Conductive Education is a curriculum approach, rather than a therapy, for people with cerebral palsy. Dr. Andras Peto in Budapest, Hungary originally developed it around 1950 with a philosophy that children with cerebral palsy have the capacity to learn and train their bodies to overcome physical challenges. The goal of conductive ed. is achieve optimal independence in movement, upright posture, self-care, language, and socialization.

How it Works: The unique aspects of conductive ed. are the conductor (specialized educator), group participation, task series, rhythmic intention and the furniture. The conductor designs activities based on abilities of the group members, and these activities are practiced daily. These activities occur in a group setting rather than on an individual basis to motivate the children to keep up with their peers. The task series are sessions that break down activities into their sequential movement components. Rhythmic intention can take many forms including the repetition of key words, simple songs, and counting to relate to a movement. Special furniture has been designed to promote independence by enabling the child or adult to grasp, hold and release. This approach capitalizes on the innate motivation of the learner and the reinforcement of self-motivated movement.

A major benefit of conduction education is that children learn they can achieve their goals through hard work. Conductive education can be directed towards all age groups, and is an all day, all life learning process.

For More Information: To learn more about Conductive Education, visit the following Web sites:

United Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation

International Peto Institute

The Conductive Education Website

Conductive Education

Carrie Tingley Hospital Foundation

Kids for Conductive Education of Orange County

Ability Camp Inc.

United Cerebral Palsy of New York City is providing basic information and recommends that you seek expert medical advice with regard to conductive education. UCP's providing this information should not be viewed as an endorsement of the treatment.