CHARGE Syndrome Canada Newsletter SPECIAL EDITION 2007 Vol. 1 No.15 © copywrite |
MOBILITY OPPORTUNITIES VIA EDUCATON (M.O.V.E.)
Past Edition of the Newsletter
Mobility Opportunities Via Education (M.O.V.E.)
The children with CHARGE syndrome have been known to have problems with balance. This is mostly attributed to the unique development of the organs of inner ear anatomy, primarily the semi-currcular canals.
Physiotherapist Joan Chinsen, who works for the W. Ross Macdonald School for the Visually Impaired and Deafblind in Ontario has instituted the M.O.V.E. program with many of the students. Joan is the first in Ontario trained in this methodology, and has seen successful results over the years of the program. Students have the ability through the program to become independant in their mobility, which is the ultimate goal.
Basically the philosophy of the program is to provide the children with the motivation to move, and to not necessarily follow the neurodevelopmental stages of normal development in the therapy provided. The activity-based nature of the program fits well in the deafblind unit of the school but can also be incorporated into educational settings everywhere. The philosophy that children need to move to learn has been proven in research, and children with unique needs who are sitting in education programs may be at a disadvantage. Often specialized equipment is used in the program. The specialized design of a variety of equipment enables the child to have freedom and promotes decision making as well as enhanced communication.
Rearch has proven that children need to be empowered to move, and when they have some direction and control over their own lives, which can happen through enhanced mobility, they can be open to so much more opportunities for learning.
If we encorporat this philosophy also with our elderly populations, and strive also for an enhancement in technology, we can better assit individuals to have a more independant life, and enhance learning, self-esteem, and enjoyment of life.
Linda Bidabe began the program over 20 years ago, and has authored the book M.O.V.E. Mobility Opportunities Through Education in 1999.
~ Report by Ann Gloyn, Education Specialist
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