5 minute read
Nonprofit Spotlight:The Conductive Learning Center of North America
BY ANGELA ARLINGTON
The Conductive Learning Center of North America (CLC) is a non-profit organization and non-public school located in Grand Rapids, Michigan that supports children and young adults with motor disorders related to premature birth, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and other brain injury.
CLC utilizes the conductive education method which combines classroom teaching with medical knowledge to help students retrain their brains to achieve physical mobility. Students work in groups to promote comradely and self confidence. Within the program, students work towards their optimal physical, cognitive, social/emotional, communication, and self-care skills through daily task series to improve independence. “The end result of intensive sessions at CLC is nothing short of amazing when students learn to walk independently, feed themselves, tie their shoes, and perform more of the tasks necessary to live independently as adults,” Angela Freier, CLC’s Director of Development, explains.
Moving beyond the classroom, conductive education not only gives students a stronger sense of pride, but also provides families with the tools they need to bring the learning into the home and improve their own dayto-day living. CLC promotes students as active participants in family life, to the best of their ability, introducing them to ways they can accomplish tasks for themselves, bringing balance to the household and removing some pressure from caregivers.
The conductive education method was developed in Budapest, Hungary by Andras Peto in 1950 and his method has gained support in other parts of the world, including here in the United States. As the only organization partnered with the Andras Peto Faculty at Semmelweis University, CLC serves as a conductive education leader in North America, advancing and promoting the impact of conductive education, and each year serving students from all over the United States.
“Many of the initial class of students who attended CLC during its pilot with Aquinas College in 1998 are now working adults or attending college. CLC is proud that West Michigan’s own leading grocer, Meijer, Inc., employs several of these students and has been voted one of the best places to work for individuals with disabilities,” Angela shares.
“If you or someone you know has a child with a motor disability, consider reaching out to the Conductive Learning Center of North America to learn more about the program, why conductive education works, and how it can work for your family. CLC’s programming is tuition based, but several funding sources are available including our Conducting Readiness Program which offers a highly subsidized rate for new families with a child 0-6 years old to trial conductive education for a full 4-week session,” Angela explains.
“Tuition makes up only a portion of the cost of operating CLC’s specialized programs and facility. To make up for the remaining needs of the school, CLC relies on generous individuals and companies to help support its mission through philanthropic giving. You can easily make a gift to CLC by visiting our website.”
http://conductivelearningcenter.org/
The conductive education method was developed in Budapest, Hungary by Andras Peto in 1950 and his method has gained support in other parts of the world, including here in the United States. As the only organization partnered with the Andras Peto Faculty at Semmelweis University, CLC serves as a conductive education leader in North America.
TESTIMONIALS:
“Faith has always had determination to do new things, but it wasn’t until we came to CLC that we began to see her full potential. She has learned to stand by herself, use her left hand, and walk out the door with help. These were things the doctors told us she would probably never do. CLC has made our hopes and dreams a reality. Faith has become the person she was meant to be – happy, silly, smart, brave, and hopeful.”
MOTHER OF FAITH, FORMER CLC STUDENT
“It is safe to say that I don’t think I’d be able to enjoy doing all the things that I do without having learned so many lessons and skills at CLC. Some of the most important lessons I’ve learned at CLC include the importance of goal setting and planning, strong work ethic, problem solving, creative thinking, and appreciation for diversity of all kinds. I consider myself lucky to have grown up surrounded by the love, kindness, hard work, and joy of those who make up the CLC family. I am extremely grateful that through those lessons and values, CLC has empowered me to live the most independent, optimistic, productive, and happiest life I can.”
SARAH, FORMER CLC STUDENT AND HUMAN RESOURCES EMPLOYEE AT MEIJER, INC.
“We are so incredibly thankful for the CLC and the scholarship support!! We couldn’t currently attend CLC without it and are incredibly grateful! Everly has grown leaps and bounds thanks from the parent child intensive! She loves attending, and it was the very first time she was able to interact with other peers! Having a small, safe environment has allowed her to have fun and communicate with friends. We are so excited for Everly to be at the CLC!”
HAYLEY, MOTHER OF CURRENT CLC STUDENT, EVERLY
