The Movement Centre of Manitoba is committed to providing Conductive Education and Occupational Therapy services to Manitobans living with neuromotor disabilities such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, acquired brain injury, developmental delays, spina bifida and Parkinson’s disease.
We provide Conductive Education and Occupational Therapy services to infants and young children as a parent and child class. In a supportive small group setting, parents and caregivers are taught techniques to help support their child’s motor development. When a child is faced with a movement disorder, the best strategy is for early and continual intervention. Examples of tasks and goals might include developing head control, tummy time, rolling, crawling, reaching for and grasping objects, sitting and standing with varying degrees of support.
In our early elementary programs, we deliver more structured active movement programs accompanied with games, activities and music. We specialize in creating a fun environment tailored to each individual while also bringing the group together around a common theme. External motivation is essential for children who have trouble initiating and controlling their movements. Our program offers frequent opportunities for learning, reinforcing and applying skills necessary for everyday activities leading to increased functional abilities. Children will gain independence in the areas of self-organization, self-care, getting dressed, self-feeding, as well as fine motor hand skills and gross motor such as sitting, standing, transferring and walking.
In middle years and high school, clients work on developing their personal interests and expanding their communication skills with peers. While still following a structured group routine, tasks become more individualized so they can be translatable to home and community. Opportunities for problem-solving and identifying the need for support can empower the individual to be an active participant as they direct their own care.
Our program evolves with our clients as they transition into adulthood. Often a core part of program becomes focused on maintenance of body structures and time is dedicated to passive stretching, sitting balance, and standing.
Our program evolves with our clients as they transition into adulthood. Often a core part of program becomes focused on maintenance of body structures and time is dedicated to passive stretching and maintaining sitting balance and weightbearing tolerance. Emphasis may be added to client’s ability to self-direct their support needs and developing meaningful occupations and new routines as adults.
For adults with Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, stroke conditions, or acquired brain injury, Conductive Education aims to regain motor function by creating new neural pathways; a bit like “a gym for the brain”. People who live with any of these conditions experience difficulties with initiating, coordinating and controlling their movements. Conductive Education enables individuals to learn ways to overcome their specific difficulties through structured group programs aimed at improving body awareness and symmetry, and range of movement with a series of active movements and engaging tasks. Clients may improve balance and motor planning to support standing, walking, and transfers, and will concentrate on incorporating the active use of the affected hand and arm into all programs. Concentration, rhythmical intention and peer communication are all equally important factors in our adult classes.
Individuals and families interested in Conductive Education are asked to fill out a detailed pre-assessment intake form which is used to guide our function driven assessment. The assessment will be completed by a Conductor.
We will reach out to you within one week of receiving your request to confirm that we have received your forms and provide you with details about the status of your application on our wait list.
We will require a physician’s release stating that the individual is cleared to participate in an intensive motor function therapy program prior to scheduling a Conductive Education Assessment.
Please feel welcome to connect with us by phone or email to inquire if the Movement Centre of Manitoba is right for you or your loved one.
