Yesterday we had our final day for this year at Conductive Education Queensland. After our Early Intervention session, there was an assembly and awards ceremony for all of the children who have been involved with CEQ this year. After singing the national anthem and a few other songs played by Ros on the guitar, each of the children received an award for their hard work at CEQ in 2011.
We also enjoyed a shared lunch and the opportunity to talk with other families who are finding this program so beneficial. The whole vibe of the day was very special and we are so glad to have been able to be involved in the first year of what I am sure will be many in this successful educational setting.
I am really grateful that we were told about Conductive Education Queensland. The whole approach of conductive education fits nicely with my own background as a teacher. I like the holistic approach to therapies and know that the repetition is of great benefit to our special children. We sing songs and do lots of movement. Claire practises her sitting, rolling and standing. In fact, I would say her best sitting is done at CEQ. I think she likes to do what the other children are doing. If you would like to find out more about Conductive Education at CEQ, I suggest you read here.
When asked if it is worth driving to Brisbane for this program (which is not available on the Gold Coast), my answer is always a strong yes. In fact, I am looking forward to taking Claire once a week next year rather than once a fortnight, and I would love for her to be able to attend even more often. The program in itself is beneficial, and being able to regularly meet with another child with Cri du Chat Syndrome and his Mum has also been invaluable. I really treasure the friendship that has blossomed. I am sure that Claire’s teacher, Mrs Demack, has enjoyed this too, but would probably have preferred us to chat a little less during class time! 
After yesterday’s celebration, I am even more adamant that this is a place with which I would like Claire to remain connected. The older children all seemed so happy, and it was very evident that the managing director and teacher, Annette Demack, and the other directors, Jody Florance and Angela Polkinghorne, were so very proud of each of these children, and of what they have achieved in the first year of CEQ also; and very rightly so. Thank you so much for your vision and hard work. I believe that Conductive Education is going to be of great benefit to Claire and many other children with special needs. I look forward to the 2012 program and Claire’s regular attendance.
I also want to say a big thank you here to Annette and Adrian (and Amy yesterday!) for catering so effectively to Callum’s needs through his individualised siblings group. He has really enjoyed his time at CEQ in 2011 too. To Natalie and Laura, thank you also for all you have done. Thank you to Zoe and Cathy for sharing your knowledge of CEQ with our family.
See you all in January!
PS. To beautiful Stella and Chelsea… we missed you very much yesterday and hope to see you back at CEQ in the new year. oxoxoxo
PPS. It is wonderful that Conductive Education is recognised by the federal government as a worthwhile therapy so that children eligible for The Better Start funding (not Claire 
) can access support for this program. Now we just have to work on getting our private health insurance to recognise it…
