Disability awareness: understanding the needs of people with Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis and strokes.

Run for a total of 6 hours. To be taken over one day or 2 x 3hrs, Available on request.

This workshop is specifically designed for employers and workers who are working alongside colleagues who have one of the above conditions. It will enable workers to respond appropriately to the needs of their colleagues and to understand how their condition may affect their everyday life. This workshop is essential for employers to ensure that they are able to meet the needs of their workforce and create an equal working environment for all. This workshop will be held according to need either at the National Institute of Conductive Education or as a part of staff training within individual organisations.

Cerebral Palsy

Understanding cerebral palsy

This workshop will provide invaluable underpinning knowledge of cerebral palsy. It will examine, in detail, the effect of this condition on all aspects of development including major symptoms and associated disorders. For those with only a limited understanding of cerebral palsy this workshop will be essential prior to attending the other workshops listed below.

The focus of the day is on classroom settings where children with cerebral palsy and staff may experience difficulties. The workshop will look at common issues and provide practical ideas of how to overcome these.

CEREBRAL PALSY: EARLY RECOGNITION AND EARLY INTERVENTION (0-3yrs)

The workshop is suitable for parents, professionals and practitioners such as health visitors, portage workers, SENCOs, Early Years practitioners etc.
involved or working with babies and the younger pre-school child with cerebral palsy

Early identification of cerebral palsy and early introduction of Conductive Education can make a significant difference to children’s lives by reducing the effects of the condition and promoting the child’s development. This results in better outcomes in later years so that they are able to become more active members of society,

The session will highlight the importance of early recognition of cerebral palsy and developmental delay, outline the early signs of the condition and demonstrate how Conductive Education can help.

Supporting a child with cerebral palsy in the classroom

This workshop will increase the participants’ knowledge, skills and confidence in working with children with cerebral palsy across the school day. The aim is to help the practitioner view the child in a new perspective in order to maximise their potential for learning within the school environment. Practical techniques and strategies will be discussed in order to promote full social inclusion of the child and to ensure continued development of everyday skills.

Introduction to Conductive Education for children with CP

This workshop will give an overall introduction to the philosophy and main features of Conductive Education. This includes discussion on potential for learning, thorough knowledge and understanding of the condition, use of realistic expectations, creating optimum circumstances for development and learning.

During the day there will opportunities to learn about the role of CE alongside input from other professionals and practitioners and to learn about the specific learning programmes and environment within the practice of CE.

The changing needs of the adolescent with cerebral palsy:
the role of Conductive Education

This workshop will explore the effect of adolescence on children with cerebral palsy. It will provide an enlightening insight into the major issues faced by teenagers and discuss the role of Conductive Education throughout this important period of the child’s life.

An overview of Dyspraxia and the principles of Conductive Education

This workshop will provide detailed information on Conductive Education as an approach to teaching children with dyspraxia. It will offer information on the fundamental principles behind the system as well as a practical understanding of the learning problems faced by children with dyspraxia.

Workshops for Professionals

The system of Conductive Education is a specialised approach to the long-term management of neurological motor disorders, including Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, stroke and cerebral palsy. The basis of CE focuses on a joint model of social care and rehabilitation which encompasses current knowledge regarding potential for learning in adults with acquired conditions

The workshops listed below will take place in autumn 2008 and will be of interest to: specialist nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and those working in social care and rehabilitation.

The workshops listed below will take place in autumn 2008 and will be of interest to: specialist nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and those working in social care and rehabilitation.

Teaching People with Parkinson’s to use external cueing

Enhancing Communication skills for people with Parkinson’s

Courses presented by:

Dr. Melanie R. Brown (PhD) Director & Senior Conductor
Adult Rehabilitation & Training Services

Melanie trained as a P.E. Teacher and worked in secondary education and a special school for children with complex learning disabilities until 1987. She then undertook 4 years of Conductor Training at the Peto Institute in Hungary.

As a Conductor Melanie established adult services in Birmingham and has continued to develop the services available to participants and carers. Melanie was instrumental in setting up a degree course in conjunction with Wolverhampton University in 2000 enabling young graduates to qualify with BA (Hons) Conductive Education Qualified Conductor Status. Melanie continues to teach on the BA course and also undertakes teaching to multi disciplinary teams of professionals nationally and internationally.

Melanie completed a PhD on Cueing for people with Parkinson’s in 2001.

There is a peer reviewed article available (Brittle, N. et al 2008: (Clinical Rehabilitation 222:329-337) on a recent evaluation on the impact of CE on quality of life – co-ordinated by Melanie and carried out in conjunction with Cath Sackley, Professor of Physiotherapy Research, and Nicola Brittle at the University of Birmingham - showing that CE can positively influence physical, psychological and social impacts of conditions such as Parkinson’s disease.

Melanie is co author of the only book on conductive education with Adults ‘Adult Conductive Education: A practical Guide’.

The Teaching of External Cueing for People with Parkinson’s - Thursday 13th November 2008

The concept of external cueing will be discussed in detail and practical methods of including this in everyday practice will be discussed and demonstrated. The techniques shown during this workshop can be applied in all places of work as one way of assisting people with Parkinson’s to gain a greater level of mobility. Also covered the link between language, movement and action and a practical workshop

Enhancing communication skills
For people with Parkinson’s - Friday 14th November 2008

This workshop is suitable for any professional working directly with people who have Parkinson’s, in either a clinical or community setting. The workshop aims to provide practical suggestions for improving areas of speech and writing for people with Parkinson’s. The workshop will be based on the principles of Conductive Education but will be transferable into a full range of settings and techniques taught can be directly put into everyday clinical practice.

Specialist nurses are very welcome to attend, as the workshop will provide practical tips, which can be given to people with Parkinson’s and their families, to help with this important area of everyday life.

Both workshops are £80 including a buffet lunch.
Commencing at 9.30 a.m. and ending at 3.30 p.m.
Venue: National Institute of Conductive Education, Cannon Hill House, Russell Road, Moseley, Birmingham. B13 8RD.

Please click to download a booking form

Further details

For further details on any of the above workshops, please contact us or email training@nice.ac.uk remembering to include your name, postal address, job title and organisation (if applicable).