Tuesday 30 March 2010

Conductive Education Classic no.8




Akos, K., ed. (1975) Scientific Studies on Conductive Pedagogy. Budapest: Conductors' College.


This book was published in 1975 by the Institute for Conductive Education of the Motor Disabled Conductor's College ( now the Peto Institute), edited by Károly Ákos and translated by Peter Szoke. It was the first one in English.

This is not a very well known text and why it was produced I do not know, but perhaps there is a clue in the introduction by Hári Maria. She had read papers at meetings and conferences in the West since the 1960s and might have felt that she had not been fully understood. In the introduction she says:

The understanding of conductive pedagogy, just like that of many other disciplines, is often impeded by the enforcement of inadequate notions...The following papers are modest initiatives aimed at the clarification of the ideas of conductive pedagogy. The individual topics have been selected with regard to the aspects most frequently encountered according to experience...Our only objective is to promote the understanding of conductive pedagogy.


Contents:


The notions of conductive pedagogy Introduction... Maria Hári


The application efficiency of conductive pedagogy...Maria Hári

The idea of learning in conductive pedagogy...Maria Hári

Didactics in conductive pedagogy...F.Székely

Relation of learning to teaching in conductive pedagogy...J. Pancsovay

The importance of playing in conductive pedagogy...F. Székely

Nursing activity of the conductive pedagogic network...Maria Hári

Therapy or teaching? A discussion on rehabilitation

The rehabilitation of motor disorder patients in statistics

The unity of theory and practice in the training of conductors...Maria Hári

A number of photos are included along with a short bibliography.

As to availability, I am not sure, but suggest that contacting the Peto Institute would be the best way of obtaining it as they may still have some copies for sale.

Several copies are in the National Library of Conductive Education.

Wednesday 24 March 2010

Famous writers who are also librarians

I have been sent an item by Susie Mallett about Librarians entitled Librarian literature - top ten books written by librarians, which was taken from a newsletter, The Avid Reader produced by Abe Books.

http://www.abebooks.com/books/Newsletters/100322/000-librarC.shtml?cm_mmc=nl-_-nl-_-000-librarC-_-h-online

This list is very interesting. It includes the well known librarian Philip Larkin, plus others not so well-known. In fact I did not know that Madeleine L'Engle, Ann Tyler and Jorge Luis Borges had been librarians. Missing from the list are John Braine, Lewis Carroll, Marcel Proust and Benjamin Franklin who could easily have been included.

What a wonderful collection of people who have achieved so much in very different ways and as I cannot really claim that writing this blog makes me a writer in quite the same way, I am very pleased to be associated with them as a librarian too.

Monday 22 March 2010

More changes to US centre list

I have been sent some more changes for the US listing of centres by Kasey, and these have now been made.


I was quite surprised to discover that several centres were no longer operating - Beginning Steps to Independence in California, The Jenny Rose Center in Pennsylvania, and The GRACE Center in South Carolina, but new ones are being set up - Center for Developmental Differences in Virginia and Brighter Beginnings through Conductive Education in Ohio. It is a shame that those who have worked so hard to open, run and maintain CE services have to close them down, especially when the services have been available for several years.

Thank you very much, Kasey, it is much appreciated and just what is needed to keep me up to date. If anyone else knows of other changes or inclusions that need to be made, please do get in touch.

Wednesday 17 March 2010

Changes to Directories

I have received new information for, and corrections to, the Conductor Consultancies, UK Centres and US Centres lists. Many thanks to those who sent them to me.

These have now been amended and dated 2010.

If further changes need to be made, please do let me know.

Saturday 13 March 2010

The Human Library - and understanding each other

What is it?

As I see it, it is a vehicle for those who wish to understand other people's alternative points of view

On the website it says:


The Human Library is an innovative method designed to promote dialogue, reduce
prejudices and encourage understanding.The main characteristics of the project are to be found in its simplicity and positive approach. In it’s initial form the Human Library is a mobile library set up as a space for dialogue and interaction. Visitors to the Human Library are given the opportunity to speak informally with “people on loan”; this latter group being extremely varied in age, sex and cultural background. The Human Library enables groups to break stereotypes by challenging the most common prejudices in a positive and humorous manner. It is a concrete, easily transferable and affordable way of promoting tolerance and understanding.

Events have been staged all over the world since 2000 with a large number in Hungary and a few in the UK.

http://human-library.org/

The Human Library will be featured on BBC Radio 4 on March 15th at 11 am. and be available via the Internet afterwards. This should clarify things somewhat as Sandi Toskvig experiences the process.

Such an event for Conductive Education might help understanding and promote knowledge people might even find out that they agree with each other and can work together in the future.

Also last night I ended up thinking of Conductive Education again - is it taking over my life, I wondered!
On BBC4 there was a

Documentary telling the story of what happened to blues music on its journey
from the southern states of America to the heart of British pop and rock culture...

This looked at the way the Blues had come to the UK, the difficulties in communication for the Blues singers (such as Muddy Waters, Sonny Terry and Brownie McGee), the differences in culture between segregated America and non-segregated UK, the way the British groups eventually developed it and moved on.

All aspects that have affected many other 'transfers' and certainly have something in common with the spread of CE outside Hungary.

It should remain available via the Internet for a week using the link below.

Wednesday 10 March 2010

English website for Peto Institute - is this new?

I have just discovered that the Peto Institute has a new English version of its website which looks very good, clean and fresh with a white background. I have no idea how long it has been up on the Internet.

http://www.peto.hu/en/

I have had a look around but was unable to find a list of publications and information on ordering these.

General information about the Institute can be found under the headings of Centre for Development and Conductive Care, Conductive Kindergarten, Conductive School, Adults' Education Unit, College for Conductor Training and Mária Hári Library and Regional Resource Centre.

http://www.peto.hu/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=52:our-institute&catid=36:general&Itemid=58

The introductory paragraph to the Library section says

Funds from the European Union and the National Development Plan in the frame of
the Human Resources Development Operational Programme have made the
refurbishment of the Mária Hári Library and Regional Resource Centre possible.

The Library holds thirty thousand volumes on a variety of subjects, not just Conductive Education. A brief description of its contents given.

The piece finishes with


A newsroom, a study, light and comfortable rooms for readers and a children’s
corner are expecting visitors day by day.

I am not sure if this means the library is now open to all and not just the Institute's staff and students. Perhaps someone will confirm it for me.

A museum devoted to the history of Conductive Education and Maria Hari's life is also on the first floor. Certainly worth a visit if open access is possible, if you are ever in Budapest.

Monday 8 March 2010

Internet News no.9

There has been a larger number than usual of items this month and they are listed below. All those referring to the Conductive Education Awareness Day ( except those announcing it) have not been included as they are contained in another posting.

http://www.conductiveeducationinformation.org/2010/02/conductive-education-awareness-day-how.html

Conductive Education


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1246591/Scientists-transform-skin-cells-brain-cells-pioneering-study-benefit-sufferers-Alzheimers-Parkinsons.html
http://intheloopkids.com/?p=5844
Fundraising lunch for A Child Can Do All Things centre, Dallas, Texas.

http://www.journallive.co.uk/lifestyle-news/newcastle-features/2010/02/06/a-helping-hand-for-youngsters-with-cerebral-palsy-61634-25772229/
http://www.beeconnected.net/?p=62
Reporter visits the Heel and Toe centre in North East England talks to parents.(note there are 4 pages to this article)

http://wsana.org/blog/?p=4633
Details of the Centre for Independence Through Conductive Education, Countryside, Illinois.

http://www.thelegacyfundraising.com/ampat
Fundraising for The Legacy Rainbow House, Cheshire

http://www.birminghammail.net/news/black-country/black-country-news/2010/02/12/great-barr-youngsters-meets-his-west-brom-heroes-ahead-of-crucial-operation-97319-25816743/
Brief mention of CE in article about boy with cerebral palsy

http://www.deweykaye.com/mosaic/JobsWatch/listings/StepsToIndependence_ProgramCoord.html
Job advert for part-time program coordinator at Steps to Independence, Pittsburgh.

http://www.deweykaye.com/mosaic/JobsWatch/listings/StepsToIndependence_ProgramCoord.html

http://www.michigan.gov/gov/0,1607,7-168-25488_54480-231631--,00.html

http://themoose.aquinas.edu/2010/02/17/come-celebrate-conductive-education-day-2010-thursday-february-25/

http://www.petoassociation.hu/UserData/www.petoassociation.hu/file/GAminutesNov08.doc

http://american-conductor.blogspot.com/2010/02/conductive-education-awareness-day.html
 
Notice of Conductive Education Day to be held on 25 February which will be celebrated by members of ACENA

http://www.moveoneinc.com/expat-echo/featured/alternative-medicine-resources-in-budapest/
Mention of the Peto Institute in a list of alternative therapies available in Budapest

http://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/5030321.Wirral_charity_Stick_n_Step_celebrates_opening_of_new_centre/

http://www.wirralnews.co.uk/wirral-news/local-wirral-news/wallasey-news/tm_headline=charity-stick-8216-n-8217-step-opens-new-base-in-liscard&method=full&objectid=25945624&siteid=80491-name_page.html
New premises for Stick’n’Step centre in UK

http://gazebonews.typepad.com/gazebonews/2010/02/margot-moreland-3-on-3.html
Fundraising for CE in Lake Forest, Illinois.

http://highburycharity.blogspot.com/2010/02/march-cheltenham-ms-society.html
Mention of an adult group in Cheltenham, UK.

http://www.pr-inside.com/tonight-the-snooty-fox-and-conductive-learning-center-featured-on-world-news-with-diane-sawyer-r1749492.htm
http://abcnews.go.com/WN/grandmothers-devotion-led-school-kids-disabilities/story?id=9980037
CE Center in Cincinnati featured on TV.

http://rsvpcalendar.blogspot.com/2010/03/breakfast-at-tiffany-for-child-can-do.html
Notice of a fundraising event for A Child Can Do All Things , Dallas, Texas.

http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/5036154.Opening_window_on_a_world_striving_for_independence/
Report of exhibition of professional photographs taken at Megan Baker House, Herefordshire UK.

http://www.singup.org/toolkit-menu/news-media/news/article/?tx_ttnews[tt_news]=657&tx_ttnews[backPid]=152&cHash=5a8c59be06
National Institute of Conductive Education Children’s Services win special award.

http://silversandimages.blogspot.com/2010/03/saras-garden.html
Photographers visit to Sara’s Garden reported on her blog with some pictures.

http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/5046503.A_shower_of_praise_for_Rainbow_Centre/ Rainbow Centre, Fareham, Hants, UK, passes Government inspection again.
 

Cerebral palsy


http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100209144203.htm
Incidence of cerebral palsy on the rise in US

http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2010/02/15/Cerebral-palsy-stem-cell-trial-begins/UPI-57571266270159/
Cerebral palsy stem cell trial begins

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2010/02/11/injured-duckling-helps-teach-wheelchair-boy-to-walk-115875-22034197/
Duckling inspires boy with cerebral palsy to walk

Parkinson’s disease


http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/5020191.University_s___34_000_grant_to_investigate_Parkinson___s_Disease/
Money granted by Parkinson’s Disease Society to investigate use of electric currents to help Parkinson’s

Multiple sclerosis


http://www.barchester.com/Healthcare-News/Multiple-sclerosis-
MS more of a risk to those who have migraines

http://www.dnaindia.com/health/report_exercise-has-protective-effect-on-brains-of-multiple-sclerosis-patients_1349740
Exercise good for brains of those with MS

Disabilities


http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/families/article7049493.ece
A father talks about his son with Down’s syndrome/

Thursday 4 March 2010

A surprising year



It is twelve months to the day since I left the Foundation for Conductive Education and the National Library of Conductive Education.

http://www.conductiveeducationinformation.org/2009/02/now-is-time-to-say-goodbye-to-era.html

I felt sad and angry. Angry that the Library would no longer be a living library as there would be no-one with the time and expertise to search, find, beg for ,and add material to it. Keep it growing. As far as I know those assigned to looking after it have other responsibilities and therefore little time, if not none at all, to devote to it. Shame. The systems I put in place mean that basic services of issuing and returning items can be offered to the service users, students and staff at the Foundation. It is the only Library in Conductive Education that is open access (I know that the opening hours have been reduced to term time only by appointment) and applications for new membership not being accepted. Access is possible but not in the way it was. Shame.

Soldiering on


I felt sad as I thought that after eighteen years plus in Conductive Education I was leaving it and taking my knowledge with me. I did not think I would be able to keep up this blog, that it would be impossible without the Library around me, but I have managed it and hope to continue. A number of people have written to me with enquiries which I have responded to and the number of hits, now 10,487 as I write this, has been quite satisfying with an average of 200 a week.

Just do it

More time can now be spent on preserving the knowledge and information on Conductive Education through publishing and I am part of the Conductive Education Press publishing house. www.cepress.org The first book, Just Do It, came out in December and sales have been steady. There are plans for several more books, so its future is looking bright and exciting.

Popular and personal support


I would like to thank again those who wrote to me a year ago saying such kind and complimentary things and also those who signed the petition.

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/help-save-our-library/

The support of several people over the first six months helped enormously. This meant so much and encouraged me to stick with Conductive Education, determined to work for it in new (if unpaid!) ways.

An unexpected anniversary present


I started preparing this posting a week or so ago and since then I have had a surprising communication which means this extra paragraph. I received an email informing me that I had been nominated and accepted for the award of Honorary Conductor to be presented at the World Congress in Hong Kong later this year. Apparently a letter had been sent through the post in December 2009, and I had not received it, but a copy of this from Professor Schaffhauser, written on behalf of the Andras Peto Institute of Conductive Education and Conductors’ College Senate, has just arrived. Naturally this was completely unexpected and left me at sixes and sevens, as they say. Of course I was delighted to accept. I am now waiting for further information and may go to Hong Kong. I did go there as a child and have some happy, if slightly vague, memories of the trip.

It just goes to show how life can change in a very short time - and I wonder what will the next twelve month bring!
 
 

Wednesday 3 March 2010

Photographs of Conductive Education go on show

Is this a first?

I have just read a news report of an exhibition of photographs taken by professionals at a Conductive Education centre in the UK.


http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/5036154.Opening_window_on_a_world_striving_for_independence/


The Megan Baker House Photographic Exhibition opened in Worcester Cathedral yesterday with photos of the participants and their families taken during sessions at the Centre. It will remain there until Sunday 21 March.

It is hoped that the exhibition may move to other venues.

I am not aware of any other such ventures, so please let me know if there are any, or have been any.