By: Geoff.
Smirthwaite, Managing Director, G & S Smirthwaite Ltd.
The aim in setting up this web site is to help provide an understanding of conductive education, pass on information and create a point of interest for not only those involved with conductive education as professionals, parents and children but also for those people who wish to find out more about the subject.
I hope it will be a means of keeping you up to date with world-wide events, details of courses and about new centres as they open. My wish is that it will be an on-going commitment and a service for those who have a common interest in the needs of those with motor disorders.
My involvement with conductive education began in the 1960’s with the design of a chair for children with cerebral palsy. In 1984, I was asked to make a plinth and ladder back chair for a seminar on conductive education. It was here that I met some of the UK prime movers of this holistic system of learning. Their encouragement and enthusiasm for the equipment, as well as the opportunity to take early retirement from teaching, started a completely new career. From this has grown a successful family business manufacturing a comprehensive range of high quality furniture for conductive education and for those with special needs.
For the past 14 years my wife Sheila and I have been privileged to work with those involved with conductive education, initially in the United Kingdom and then abroad. We have attended exhibitions and conferences, visited schools and met many people connected with this subject from all round the world.
The UK Federation for Conductive Education has recently published a brochure entitled 'Understanding Conductive Education' which I have drawn on extensively in the preparation of this site. The brochure is useful for parents of children with cerebral palsy or similar disorders and for others with a serious interest in the subject. If you would like a free copy please contact me with your name and address. It is available by post or the full transcript is available by e-mail.
If you would like more information or need help or advice we can put you in touch with those who are in a position to help you. If you would like to use our 'notice board' or have any suggestions for this site, would you please contact me?
Please contact: Geoff Smirthwaite