Peer to Peer

Etienne was evaluated at the Center for Independence through Conductive Education in 2021 and joined us for the 4 weeks individualized motor learning summer intensive program. He enjoyed time with his peers, and after summer, life happened. He had major hip surgery and moved houses, which meant he had to stop coming to the Center.

In 2023, Etienne ‘s mom decided to try the Center’s summer intensive again and Etienne was placed in a group with his similarly abled peers for 3 days a week, 6 hours a day.

He drove in his power chair on the first day of summer camp using a special joystick to drive, with a big, shy smile!
The students in his group were a bit older than him, but they all relate to the feeling of coming in and seeing the therapy rooms after a long time!

Like everyone else, Etienne started using elbow supports, in addition to his Benik hand brace, and after the initial tears, it started to feel better! He began reaching with his arms forward. Etienne wanted to sit with his peers at the plinth table for games, art and fun!

He got so very brave sitting on a stool with a walker behind him for safety around his trunk. Once the game started, he was part of the group with his voice and his smile. The fear of sitting with less support and more independence was gone!

By the end of the Center’s summer intensive program:

• Etienne was sitting on a Rifton toilet seat every day he came. He even asked to be left alone to get some privacy!
• He sat at the plinth with his peers for 45 minutes without any complaint about wearing his elbow supports
• He ambulated inside/outside with the Rifton Gait trainer for 150 feet daily with assistance and a smile! He has not been in a walker for over 2 years due to his previous hip surgery!
• His mom now uses the same Rifton toilet seat at home for showers.
• Etienne is now using his home bike, after practicing at the Center with his peers outside in the parking lot.

The Center is looking forward to discovering more of Etienne’s skills when he continues attending the program on a regular basis!

Story by Gabi Molnar, Conductive Education Teacher