Education and Therapy Combined
It is vital that children are able to explore the world around them. But what about children with severe disabilities? Is it the responsibility of educations services, or therapists, to help give these children the same opportunities and those who are non-disabled?
A unique programme called MOVE is providing the answers to this problem by combining the two disciplines. Developed in 1986, MOVE is an activity based approach that uses education, therapy and family to teach severely disabled children the skills of sitting, standing, walking and ‘transferring’ from one to another, to the very best of their ability. It is provided through a registered charity, which is working to make the scheme available to all 110,000 severely disabled children and young people in the UK.
The charity currently works with around 2,500 children, through schools and local authority agreements. Specialist MOVE Trainers work with members of the child’s everyday care team, including parents, teachers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, classroom assistants and carers, teaching them how to deliver individually tailored programmes. Research has shown 72 per cent of children have increased their mobility within their first year on the scheme, which is delivered through schools and local authority agreements.
How it works
MOVE does not exclude any children on the basis of the severity of their disability, whether learning or physical. It uses a top down, functional approach that focuses on activities that people want to achieve, rather than on the things they cannot do.The programme is developed in a way that means it can be delivered at every opportunity in the home, at school and in the community, so children have multiple opportunities to practice skills in familiar environments.
Some specialised equipment is used as a tool for learning, but the benefits of independent mobility are the focus throughout, and emphasis is placed on the abilities of the child, rather than the piece of equipment.
The approach is built around six ‘steps’:AssessmentGoal settingTask analysisMeasuring the promptsReducing the prompts
Teaching the skills
Within these steps, the goal setting is probably the most important. Each child entering onto the MOVE programme has an entirely individualised plan, so every child is set entirely different goals. Goals are designed in line with a real purpose, which is decided upon with the input of the child themselves, along with their parents, teachers and therapists. In this way, everyone can be sure that the goal is meaningful, so the child is motivated to learn and the team involved is motivated to help them. The educational benefits
OFSTED is continuing to place considerable emphasis on the progress and attainment agenda, with a focus on sustainability rather than short-term results.
The MOVE Programme fits with this emphasis, as the small targets the children work towards help to build up to a long term improvement. Its system of target-setting also allows schools to clearly measure their improvement.
OFSTED made the following comment after inspections were made at several schools using MOVE: “The physical and social development of pupils with PMLD (profound and multiple learning difficulties) is considerably enhanced by the MOVE programme. For example, through a gait trainer, one pupil was enabled to make the choice to seek out a friend.”
The health benefits
As well as leading to greater independence, educational engagement and an improved quality of life, MOVE can offer considerable health benefits. Increased mobility helps children develop stronger bones and muscles while improving breathing and circulation.
One of the senior physiotherapists using the programme, Christine Shaw says: “Being involved with MOVE is challenging, exciting and incredibly rewarding as every day we see children for whom expectation was low, or lost altogether, achieving new skills and taking part in the activities which motivate them to learn.
Peter Holland, Chief Executive of MOVE, says: “By getting children moving about, whether that’s playing football with friends or just moving from a wheelchair to unsupported seating, MOVE can help to realign bodies, stretch out vital organs and improve muscle tone, all critical for future health. Ultimately, MOVE gives children the chance to realise their full potential and be, first and foremost, children.”
Case Study
Eight-year-old Oliver Baines has West Syndrome, and has been on the MOVE Programme for five years. Before starting MOVE Oliver spent all day either lying on the floor, or strapped into a chair, with no awareness of his own body and no muscle tone. He was incredibly passive, and spent most of his time asleep. Within just six months on the programme, however, he became far more active, and today Oliver spends most of the day walking around using a gait trainer, without any adult help. His muscles have strengthened, and he can now take part in playground games with his friends. His mum Julie said: “I never thought I would see such a great improvement. He has certainly done himself, and us, incredibly proud”.
Oliver’s teacher, Alison Harland, has been there with him every step of the way. She says: “Because of MOVE Oliver has developed hugely. He is healthier, has more muscle tone and control and can communicate much better with others. It has given him the chance to more actively participate in the world around him and first and foremost, he is a happier child as a result.”
For more information, please visit www.move-europe.org.uk or call 020 7407 5344.
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