Research and Resources
"When you do not teach the child to be independent, you teach the child to be dependent." — Dr. Maria Hari, Peto Institute
American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine
2023 Community Forum - Disability Employment
Patti Herbst, CPA is the founder and Executive Director of Center for Independence through Conductive Education, an Illinois nonprofit. The mission of the Center for Independence is to help children and young adults with disabilities achieve their highest level of independence in the home, school, community and workplace. Patti is the mother of an adult with cerebral palsy and brings her unique understanding of the barriers people with disabilities face in transition to adulthood, especially in accessing the workforce.
Research Study on Conductive Education
With a grant from the Coleman Foundation, the Center for Independence and Governors State University are conducting a 2 year Research project on the impact of CE on a child's performance of functional skills.
Quantitative research in Conductive Education in the US is woefully lacking. Two years ago we undertook a research project that would attempt to objectively measure change in the performance of functional skills for children attending a Trans-disciplinary Conductive Education (TCE) program near Chicago. In collaborating with the research scientists and the therapists and conductors it was determined to measure change in 3 functional activities: hand to mouth, sit to stand, and ambulating. Children were identified to be part of the research study by recommendation of their treatment team (conductors and therapists). Each child’s parent gave consent for their child to participate. The research study protocol called for monthly data collection session to be closely timed with the alternating month on/month off attendance schedule for the school age children.
 Read entire study.
Case Study on CE participant over an 18 month demonstrates clinically significant functional improvements.
Recommended Websites
- ACENA (Association for Conductive Education in North America)
- Aquinas College POHI Program (physically and/or health impaired)
- Cerebral Palsy Group provides educational information and support
- Cerebral Palsy Guide Helping Children with Cerebral Palsy
- Cerebral Palsy Guidance Provides CP answers and assistance to parents.
- Governors State University Conductive Education OT Certificate
- Mayo Clinic Reference page about premature birth complications
- NICE (National Institute if Conductive Education, UK)
- SBAIL The Spina Bifida Association of Illinois
- Tsad Kadima The Association for Conductive Education in Israel
- CPRR (Cerebral Palsy Research Registry) —improving the understanding of cerebral palsy
- PrAACtical Solutions Consulting provides virtual consulting services to individuals who use augmentative and alternative communication
Recommended Reading
- Maria Hari on Conductive Pedagogy: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Conductive Education.
- Conductive Education: A Functional Skills Program for Children with Cerebral Palsy
Helen Bourke–Taylor, Roberta O’Shea, Deborah Gaebler–Spira - Conductive Education: History, Definition and Basic Concepts
Rony Schenker OT, PhD Professional Director, Head of Conductive Education and Cerebral Palsy Studies – Tsad Kadima (A step forward)
Other Resources
- Impact of a Conductive Education intervention on supraspinal structures in adults with chronic stroke
A highly detailed 2016 research study (PDF) Authored by Renée D. Theiss, PhD, Todd B. Parrish, PhD, Haleh Karbasforoushan, Roberta K. O’Shea, PT, PhD, Dept of Physical Therapy, Dept. of Occupational Therapy, Governors State University, University Park, IL; Dept of Radiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL - Connecting CP Families on Facebook
Started by Meade Whitaker where parents, with children diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy (CP), can ask questions and receive advice from other parents that are in a similar situation. - Disability Benefits 101
Many people with disabilities fear that if they go to work, they'll lose needed health care and other disability benefits. Disability Benefits 101 (DB101) helps people with disabilities and service providers understand the connections between work and benefits. DB101 will help you make informed choices and show you how you can make work part of your plan. - DRS & DDD Comparison of Eligibility and Services
This chart (PDF) offers a comparison of the differences between the DRS and Adults with DD Medicaid waivers that must be considered when making this choice. - Understanding PUNS: A Guide (PDF) to Prioritization for Urgency of Need for Services.
- PUNS: Finding your way info map (PDF)
- Understanding Disability Benefits (PDF)
Access to Partners
Partner for Access to Therapy is a coalition of nonprofits committed to increasing awareness regarding the negative consequences faced by children with disabilities due to physical, occupational and speech therapy capitations imposed by private health insurance companies. We are committed to children accessing therapy services, based on medical need, not on superficial limitations based on cost containment strategies.
Children with disabilities age 3 through 18 are being denied or given limited access to insurance coverage for essential therapeutic services.
Download the pdf and about how you can us in forming a coalition.
Our Mission
The mission of the Center for Independence is to help children and young adults with disabilities achieve their highest level of independence in the home, school, community and workforce. Our therapy programs help children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) develop life skills, motor-function and an "I Can!" attitude.
Committed to breaking down barriers to employment, the Center also provides job training and placement for young adults with developmental disabilities through our innovative program Working Together Chicago.
The Center is an IL 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
EIN: 36-4259162
Our Vision: That children and young adults with disabilities have the opportunity to be fully participating members of the community.
Expect more, learn more...DO more!
Center Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Program times vary — check calendar.
Quick Contact
Center Locations
CFI Main Center
100 W. Plainfield Rd.,
Countryside, IL 60525
The Hope Collective
23153 W Miller Rd.,
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
Brighton Park
2701 W. 36th Pl.
Chicago, IL 60632