Conductive Education

 The conductive educator at Pathways is trained in teaching individuals with neurological and mobility impairements through a comprehensive method in which the students learn to specifically and consciously perform actions that children without these impairements learn through daily life experiences. It focuses primarily on the integration of: the brain’s ability to change and learn (neuroplasticity). CE approaches physical disabilities from an educational rather than a medical or paramedical perspective. Our conductive educator encourages the students to be problem solvers and develops self-reliant plans that fosters each students participation, initiative, determination, motivation, independence, and self-sufficiency. In conductive education the senses are stimulated through social interaction, active learning and task achievement. The conductive educator works to teach students in a way that the learning can be applied to various situations which allows the student to develop routines, engage in education and hobbies, and foster coping mechanisms while minimizing dependence. The approach focuses on improving the physical effects of the disability while encouraging motivation and active physical participation, to become independent and increase self-esteem. Conductive education make use of adaptive equipment and assistive technologies that help them to function in the world. 

The skills that are emphasized during conductive education include:
~ Physical functioning
~ Play strategies
~ Social interaction
~ Academic skills
~ Self-care strategies