News & Events
Welcome to our News Room. Below you’ll find the most recent information about what’s going on at the Conductive Learning Center, and opportunities for you to get involved.
National Conductive Education Day!
Miss Michigan, Elizabeth Wertenberger, will be visiting the Conductive Learning Center (CLC) in conjunction with the celebration of National Conductive Education Day 2012 on Feb. 23, 2012.
Ms. Wertenberger will share her platform issue: “Continue to Dream” – Giving Hope to Children with Chronic Conditions. Ms. Wertenberger was told she would likely be confined to a wheelchair by the age of 18 due to Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA). She made the conscious decision to not give up. “I believe that I was given the gift of my recovery so that I can help others to make the most of the lifetime that they are given and to encourage them to continue to dream and reach for the unreachable, because dreams do come true.” Elizabeth Wertenberger
This is a message that will resonate with the children and families served by the Conductive Education (CE) program at the Conductive Learning Center. Developed over 60 years ago, Conductive Education maximizes the independence and mobility of children with disabilities like cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and acquired brain injuries. CE operates on the premise that no matter how severe the disability, people can learn and improve when they are motivated. Conductive Education helps children “learn their way to independence” through an intensive and carefully structured program focusing on all aspects of a child’s development. The group setting provides a playful, supportive, and motivating environment that nurtures a “can do” attitude in every child.
AGENDA:
9 a.m. to 10 a.m. – Inspirational words from Ms. Elizabeth Wertenberger, Miss Michigan
10 a.m. to Noon – Informal meet and greet with Ms. Wertenberger, CLC Children and Families, and tours of the Conductive Learning Center
Thursday, February 23, 2012
9 a.m. to Noon
Conductive Learning Center
2428 Burton SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Questions: 616.575.0575
Join the Art Van Team CLC! The Conductive Learning Center has been selected to be a Charity Partner in the upcoming Fifth Third River Bank Run on May 12, 2012. We are forming teams now! Consider becoming a team captain and organizing a group through your school, church, club or workplace. Sign up to participate in the run or walk as part of Team CLC. Please forward your name to info@conductivelearningcenter.org, if your are interested in running, walking or becoming involved with Team CLC and the 35th Anniversary of the prestigious Fifth Third River Bank Run. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Details to follow. Please call (616) 575-0575 with questions or for more information. rbr2012_make_it_count
We have scheduled future “Team CLC” workshops for the following days and times:
Monday, Feb. 6, at 9 am. and again at 5:30 pm
Wednesday, March 14 at 9 am and again at 5:30 pm
Thursday, April 19 at 9 am and again at 5:30 pm
These workshops are to get you started with your active.com site and training as well as other information. If none of these times work, let us know and we can schedule an individual time with you at your convenience. Once people have their Active.com site up they will see how easy it is to solicit pledges for their walk or their run and to recruit others to join their team. If you can not make the run on May 12, you can still solicit “Team” pledges through active.com.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Art Van understands the need to support non profits that address the needs of families. The Conductive Learning Center (CLC) was recently awarded $15,000 by Art Van Furniture to help the center carry on the mission to serve children with motor disorders. The grant was designed as a challenge in order to encourage others to donate and maximize fundraising opportunities. The Conductive Learning Center works very hard to raise funds to help families through scholarships. The Art Van grant gives Conductive Learning Center a unique opportunity to leverage the generous example set by Art Van to raise additional funds from local corporations and donors as a 2012 Fifth Third River Bank Run Charity Partner. This is the first of three years that CLC will be an official Charity Partner for the race which will be designated as the Art Van Team CLC. Thank you, Art Van, for supporting the Conductive Learning Center and Team CLC!
The Conductive Learning Center is the recipient of United Way funds which will be directed to low income families. This funding will support qualifying children to access conductive education programs here at CLC. This is a tremendous opportunity for families to enroll their child in Conductive Education programs and experience what CE can do for a child with a motor challenge. Please call the center for more information at (616) 575-0575 or fill out an application on the website under “how to apply”.
Target Population: Children from birth through young adulthood with a medical or educational diagnosis of a motor challenge or motor disability. The motor disability is most commonly cerebral palsy, spina bifida, traumatic brain injury.
Referral Procedure: Additional information and a new student application are available under “applications”. You may also phone the center at (616) 575-0575 for more details. Assessments for fall programs will begin in September. Applications must be submitted prior to scheduling an appointment.
Aquinas College hosted boys’ U-11 players during the 2011 Charity_Lacrosse_Camp_3rd_2011Flyer[3)[2]. The instructional camp gave area youth lacrosse players a chance to receive instruction from coaches, have fun, and help a great cause.
Proceeds from the camp were donated to the Conductive Learning Center (CLC), which provides opportunities for children with motor challenges such as cerebral palsy and spina bifida to achieve optimal physical, cognitive, and social independence though the use of conductive education principles.
The camp was again instructed by current Aquinas College coaches and players as well as a few special guests. Kevin Anderson and Kevin Dugan, both assistant coaches from national runner-up Notre Dame, donated their coaching expertise.
The Aquinas lacrosse programs and the charity camp brought great awareness of the CLC to the Aquinas community and beyond. The CLC and the Aquinas Lacrosse programs are look forward to continuing the partnership and collaboration that was started in 2010. CLC appreciates the support and friendship of the Aquinas Men’s Lacrosse Program!
The Conductive Learning Center’s, Evening of Celebration 2011, was held on Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at Thousand Oaks Country Club. This fun filled evening was a big success, raising funds and awareness for the Conductive Learning Center. We were proud to have Meijer as a presenting sponsor and are grateful to all of our sponsors, donors and guests for their amazing support of the CLC children again this year. Your support will help children with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and traumatic brain injury obtain a greater level of independence. Thank you and please plan to attend next year.
The Conductive Learning Center (CLC) in conjunction with the Association for Conductive Education in North America (ACENA) celebrated the second annual National CE Day on Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011. We hope you enoyed celebrating the day through the following activities:
- The open house that morning between 9 a and 11 a
- Educators and medical providers toured CLC during the open house
- Submitting testimonials regarding your child’s experience with CE to media, print, government and community agencies
Long after the lights go out on our event, your generosity will continue to improve the lives of the children at CLC. Thank you!
LEAD PRESENTING SPONSOR
Meijer
PRESENTING SPONSOR
Steve and Mary Anderson
SPONSORS
Aquinas College
Best & Friends
Cap Trust
In Honor of Dane Smith
Lacks Enterprise
Mike & Susan Jandernoa
Paul & Cathy Boyer
Richard H. Brown Foundation
Ross Hoezee, NML
Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge
The Spencer Family
Jeff & Julie Towner
VanerumStelter
Varnum Riddering
FRIENDS
Adac
Thomas D. Burr
Dykema
Art & Betsy Hasse
Dan Horning
David & Kara Cassard
Founders Bank & Trust
Gary Family Foundation
Goodwill Industries
Grand Rapids Press
Haworth
Herman Miller Foundation
JC Huizenga
Medtronic
Merrill Lynch Bloomfield Hills
Saint Mary’s Health Care
Service Express Inc.
Diversity – The Conductive Learning Center is committed to equality. This statement speaks to this commitment, as does our history. All members of our organization – board, staff, students – will demonstrate respect for each other regardless of our differences. All of us will be sensitive in our actions, words, and deeds. We will demonstrate these sensitivities in our classrooms, offices, and meeting places. We will maintain the diversity of our Board of Trustees, clients, and staff and appreciate the differences each brings to this organization regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or disability.
