I’ve been a part of the CE Program at March of Dimes Canada for the past 20 years. I was born with cerebral palsy and my parents decided to sign me up for the program at the age of six after hearing from other parents of children with cerebral palsy how incredibly beneficial the program had been for their children’s mobility and independence. As a result, my parents felt this program would greatly benefit me as well and I’ve been a participant of Conductive Education ever since.
Entering into the program at such a young age, I didn’t quite understand why my parents had decided to enroll me in it and ultimately didn’t realize the profound impact it would have and on my everyday life and my ability to become the independent young woman that I am today.
Today, I am incredibly surprised by just how much this program has enhanced my mobility and independence. Conductive Education has allowed me to become more involved in my daily life and in finding solutions to my physical challenges. Thanks to Conductive Education, I have learned to use the word ABLE when it comes to my progress, and just how important it is to never give up, keep trying, keep learning new ways to do something, and always strive to conquer! Because of Conductive Education, every day I focus on what I am able to achieve. This program has given me the opportunity to challenge the negative perceptions I have of myself and reshape them into more empowering thoughts.
In addition, it has taught me that the term disability does not mean inability. Conductive Education has also provided me with a voice. Instead of my parents or others speaking up on my behalf, I have learned to advocate for my own needs. I may need special accommodations to aid in that process but I make sure I am heard! If wonderful programs like CE did not exist, many of my accomplishments would not have been possible. Conductive Education has literally changed my life! Growing up, I assumed that my parents would always need to do everything for me. I never thought that someday I would grow up and live an independent life, despite my disability, but thanks to Conductive Education, this reality has now become possible for me and many others living with physical disabilities.
Entering into the program at such a young age, I didn’t quite understand why my parents had decided to enroll me in it and ultimately didn’t realize the profound impact it would have and on my everyday life and my ability to become the independent young woman that I am today.
Today, I am incredibly surprised by just how much this program has enhanced my mobility and independence. Conductive Education has allowed me to become more involved in my daily life and in finding solutions to my physical challenges. Thanks to Conductive Education, I have learned to use the word ABLE when it comes to my progress, and just how important it is to never give up, keep trying, keep learning new ways to do something, and always strive to conquer! Because of Conductive Education, every day I focus on what I am able to achieve. This program has given me the opportunity to challenge the negative perceptions I have of myself and reshape them into more empowering thoughts.
In addition, it has taught me that the term disability does not mean inability. Conductive Education has also provided me with a voice. Instead of my parents or others speaking up on my behalf, I have learned to advocate for my own needs. I may need special accommodations to aid in that process but I make sure I am heard! If wonderful programs like CE did not exist, many of my accomplishments would not have been possible. Conductive Education has literally changed my life! Growing up, I assumed that my parents would always need to do everything for me. I never thought that someday I would grow up and live an independent life, despite my disability, but thanks to Conductive Education, this reality has now become possible for me and many others living with physical disabilities.