1. To teach the normal life style
2. To construct a different, new method of functioning
3. To encourage personality development
A primary goal is to teach a normal way of life. The programme incorporates all normal daily activities based on the normal rhythm of the day and normal routine of life. Integration is only possible when there is some order in the life of the dysfunctional person. This integration is only made possible by a programme that incorporates a normal timetable and normal content.
This is an educational philosophy which does not allow the individual to become inactive, negative or uninvolved in a normal life style or the solutions to problems of life and living. This is not about functional exercises. There are frequent misunderstandings about the definition - PROGRAMME. The programme contains all the many and varied elements which, together, contribute to what we understand as ‘ normal life’. The functional activities incorporated within a normal programme are not specific goals in their own right. They are the means, the vehicle whereby we maintain flow, rhythm and purpose to move on educationally and independently.
The second goal involves personality development. Personality development is of paramount importance if the aim is to change a passive individual into one who is active. To influence personality we have to observe closely an individual’s degree of activity, his problem-solving skills, his motor, functional, behavioural, communication and educational strategies. Simultaneously we have to formulate the solutions to the particular problems which are observed in order to facilitate that person to progress and experience success.
The approach is the same for everyone initially inasmuch as all aspects are observed. However, aims can and do differ, as well as the strategies designed to achieve goals and solve problems.
To ignite orthofunction requires:
a) An interesting, appropriate educational environment
b) Variation
c) Emotional security
d) Positive atmosphere
e) Lively and playful programme
f) A well-led group by skilled conductor
g) The experience of success
h) Opportunities for individual expression and creativity
i) Motivation
j) Experiences of duty to others, self worth, responsibility.
To be ortho-functional means that in spite of fundamental problems, an individual has leant particular strategies whereby he can confront any eventuality and find the solution, which will enable him to pursue a normal life style. In so doing he will become a well-adjusted personality, a force to be reckoned with, with a mind of his own, socially acceptable, a contributor to society, conscious of the needs of others, active and aware.
The third goal is to reconstruct functioning which will require a different organisational strategy. This will be the ortho-functional route, i.e. the method that is tailored to the individual requirements and has to be learnt and practised. The method is not pre-ordained; it is one which is reached by discovery through the individual effort which is personal, educational, economical, functional and successful. The personal method is not a sequence of leaned repetitive exercises. It is a personal strategy developed through an educational process of discovery in an appropriate motivating environment.