Testimonials

One of the first things any special needs support group will teach parents is we are our child’s best advocate. A parent knows their child best, their needs, talents abilities, and in-progress skills. In so many environments, parents have to fight for others to see and/or believe what their child can do.

They saw the 3 times out of 100 when the child executed the task and try to push aside the 97 attempts where he/she came up short. They base their confidence, by working hard that 3% will jump to 5, then 10, 25 and over 50. The journey may not be fast, but what’s important is making it to the end.

I think back to the parent meeting for Conductive Education that we had almost a year ago. The Hungarian teacher, (called conductors not therapist), explained how conductive ed works, and the breakdown of each day. “The child will walk into the classroom, with the minimum amount of support needed.” Immediately, parents’ hands shoot up into the air.

“My child can’t walk, they’re in a chair.”

“My child depends on his walker, he can’t stand on his own.”

“My child has never done that before. She’s just not strong enough.”

There seems to be only two parents in the room, not voicing concern…the two who brought Conductive Ed to central Ohio, who can’t help but smile. They sit with confidence, knowing not long ago they had the same concerns. They simply look at the other parents and say, “Don’t ask me why or how, it just works.”

The first thought that crosses the other parents’ mind, “easy for them to say, they have to sound confident to get us to try it.” However, day-by-day, week-by-week it seems to happen. Kids breaking down their own barriers, building their personal skill set and doing things no one else thought could be done.

People often ask us why we’re willing to drive 500 miles a week, and pass by dozens of other therapy facilities and adapted activities to come out to Brighter Beginnings. The answer’s simple, did you see what Nathan just did? Two weeks ago he couldn’t do it.

Therapists have fought and fought to get Nathan to hold himself on his hands and knees. He bucks out like a donkey or flops forward, whimpering in hopes you’ll stop making him suffer. For the Conductors, he’s usually willing to try his best, because he knows they’re giving him their best as well.

We’re pushing Nathan to his limits with conductive ed, preschool, horseback riding, doctor’s appointments, and everything else. It’s that time of year when colds run rampant, and we’re hoping against hope we won't be effected. Last week, Nathan wasn’t up for the challenge several days, and his sniffling over the weekend, tells us sicker days may be ahead. Yet still, today he had a smile on his face walking through the doors.

There hasn’t been any unhappiness, no fighting, crying or trying to get out of work, even when not feeling his best. He’s back to his tough-guy/ strong-guy mode. He's giving his all and knows his work is making things possible for later on.

Nathan just celebrated his birthday and with Christmas coming up, we’re frequently asked what things are on his gift list. We try to think of toys or games which can build his skills. We rack our brains for any type of clothes that fit his skinny body better. The truth is, the staff at Brighter Beginnings for Conductive Education have probably given him one of the best gifts any special-needs child could ask for — hope.

Special need parents don’t expect much from their children for the holidays, just to try and do their best, everyday. However, the day he/she checks another skill off the list that experts said they’d never do, it’s the best gift of all.

Kevin Rearick

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Kudos to Brighter Beginnings!

Our seven year old grandson is quadraplegic and MRDD. At Brighter Beginnings through Conductive Education, the conductors worked with him to loosen his contracted muscles, sit independently and hold small objects in his hands. They taught us how to work with him at home to continue the progress made during summer camp. The conductors are truly knowledgable and dedicated to the success of the children in the program.

J. Ward

Our experience with Brighter Beginnings helps to complete all the work we do with our special-needs son. He responds well to both the instructors and the other kids in his group. Together they help each other not only survive but thrive, and we’re thrilled with all of the new skills he learns and loves to show off to others. For all those who said he’d never do anything more than smile, each day Brighter Beginnings helps make the impossible a reality.

Kevin & Annette Rearick

My name is Joshua Weir and our 5 year old son participates in Conductive Education. We have done all kinds of traditional therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, massage and even acupuncture. Nothing compared with the dramatic improvements that we saw not only physically but cognitively for Caleb even in the first 2 weeks.

Thanks so much Brighter Beginnings. You guys are a true help to those that feel like there is very little help out there. Keep it up.

Joshua & Natalie Weir

My daughter, Arianna has been receiving services at Brighter Beginnings since the summer of 2010. While attending the program, we noticed significant changes in her walking ability. She uses crutches to walk. Before the program, she could use the crutches, but was much better with her walker. With the crutches, she would often fall and was slow with her walking. She could turn, but was very unsteady. Conductive Education taught her how to use the crutches more effectively. She has much more control with the crutches and hardly ever falls. She is able to turn steadily and is now able to keep up with her classmates. She can now lead in the classroom line instead of always staggering behind and being last. This has given my daughter more confidence with walking. She has just begun another session at Brighter Beginnings and we look forward to further progress.

Jamie Crossman

In April, 1997, a beautiful little girl named Brittany was born. At first everything seemed to be normal, but when Brittany was six months old, she began to have seizures. Soon, those who loved her found out that things were not as they seemed. After several days in the hospital, her parents were told that Brittany did not have a normal brain. Soon after, she was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy.

As time went on, Brittany did not seem to develop much at all. Her family tried to make life as normal as possible. She attended school in Marysville, where she received all of the therapy that was available, but it wasn't enough to make much of a difference. When she was unable to hold her head up at the age of two, her family became desperate to help her. They began to research alternative programs for Brittany. Soon, with the help of Brittany's nurse, they discovered Conductive Education.

After talking with her pediatrician, Brittany’s family decided to try Conductive Education. At that time, this therapy was not offered in the United States, so they packed their bags and headed to Canada. Brittany is now twelve and has attended six Conductive Education classes and has made progress with every class. Fortunately, Conductive Education is beginning to spread throughout the United States, but unfortunately, it is not yet available in central Ohio.

Brittany’s family and friends recognize the difference Conductive Education has made in Brittany’s quality of life and they want to provide the same opportunity for other children with motor disabilities. They have decided to open a non-profit organization for Conductive Education in Marysville, Ohio

Our 10-year old son, M, was scheduled to complete a four week course. In that time, we have noticed an increase of his social skills and his ability to interact with peers, which is a big step for him. Before the program, he could walk if we held his hands to help him with his balance and to stay in an upright position. In the program, they encouraged him to use his walker and taught him how to use it properly. He is now able to stand straighter and steer the walker independently. It has been exciting to see an increase in his independence and we enjoy watching him choose where he wants to go, rather than waiting for us to guide him by the hand. The program has improved M's self-feeding skills and they are teaching him how to drink independently from an open cup. He is also learning how to wipe his face when needed, as well as any food spills, instead of us cleaning it for him. After seeing his improvements, we decided to keep him in the program for an additional two weeks before starting the school year. The kindness and caring of the staff is great (especially Agi, Chris, and Kelly) and they really worked with us to create goals specifically developed for our son.

Caleb my son has been doing conductive therapy for one week and I am seeing improvements in his ability to use his right foot already, he is jumping better with it and his right arm is more active in use. I am very thankful for this program and is far and above anything we have tried with standard physical therapy.

Family

Testimonials