GaitWay's Mission

Improve the quality of life for children and adults with motor disabilities caused by cerebral palsy, spina bifida, traumatic brain injury, stroke or other causes by developing motor skills through Conductive Education.

What is Conductive Education?

Conductive Education programs utilize the fact that, despite neurological damage, the central nervous system has the capacity to form new connections. By learning and repeating tasks and specific movements, the brain builds new pathways to send messages to muscle groups resulting in an increased ability to learn, independence and improved social interaction.

For some, GaitWay’s programs will result in a seemingly simple ability to grasp objects.  But to someone affected by a motor disability, grasping and holding on to an object requires a conscious effort, practice and hard work. Developing this skill leads to increased independence.  For example, grasping and holding an object leads to increased interaction during play, the ability to hold utensils for eating and drinking or the ability to grasp a secure object for assistance in sitting up or standing.

Participation in CE can result in an increased ability in moving from a prone position to sitting, sitting to standing, walking or an improvement in the child’s ability to take more responsibility for personal hygiene and self care.

Music, songs or rhymes are often used to help with memorization of steps in a task or to help the individual monitor his posture, movement, ability to focus and improve concentration.  Through our programs, individuals gain improved strength, movement, coordination and self-esteem.

GaitWay is the only program of its kind in the Southwest.  More importantly, it is unique among all motor disability programs in that it provides the maximum use of sensory education and specific physical activity for long periods of time in a peer group setting.  While standard physical and occupational therapies are beneficial, Conductive Education provides the intensity and group interaction needed for effective learning and socialization.

Want to learn more?

ACENA (Association for Conductive Education in North America)
http://www.acena.org/

CECC (Conductive Education Communications Center)
http://conductiveeducation.net/

Peto Institute, Budapest, Hungary
http://www.peto.hu/en/
Professor Andres Peto in Budapest, Hungary developed Conductive Education in 1948.  At that time it provided, aneducation for nonambulatory children in Hungary who were excluded from mainstream school due to their disabilities.  The Peto Institute is whereConductive Education was developed and is still in practice today.

Aquinas College, Grand Rapids, Michigan
http://www.aquinas.edu/education/certification/pohi.html
Aquinas College is the only institution in the United States offering a POHI (physically and/or health impaired) methodology teacher training program utilizing the Conductive Education method. Professionals from the International PETO Institute in Budapest, Hungary deliver the curriculum, which is designed by Aquinas College with assistance from the International PETO Teachers College.

Conductive World
The Conductive World website offers a critical exploration of the world of Conductive Education.  This site also provides links to community forums, education information, the press and employment.
http://www.conductive-world.info

University of Arizona Program Evaluation 2005