Lightnur carries a report from ABC Television in Western Australia (in transcript) entitled "Campaign to Expand Cerebral Palsy Program" at Carson Street School.
Much is familiar territory: "controversial learning program"; "lobbying for months"; "lack of resources"; "families remain concerned about the program's long-term future"; "the program's become so popular .... it now can't meet demand". So there's no doubt what parents think.
Another familiar line is provided by Judy Hogben of the Centre for Cerebral Palsy who, in a classic gymnastic act manages to sit on the fence and take sides simultaneously: "I don't think it's [ie conductive education] actually proven. I think the jury is still out with it. And it's because we have a responsibility for providing things that we are really certain about, if there is uncertainty then it would not be responsible for us to provide." Judy Hogben is CEO of The Centre for Cerebral Palsy which, its website proudly tells us "is a leader in the provision of quality services and specialised therapy for children and adults living with cerebral palsy in Western Australia. The Centre's services are underpinned by a philosophy of choice (sic) and independence for all people."
In this case, the local Education Department seems more open in its thinking. Their spokersperson, David Axworthy, has this to say:
"If it's helping children and parents like the program, of course we would continue the program". .... "This is something we've not done before in Western Australia. It is a new thing for us and it was three years ago when this was brought to the Department, there wasn't universal agreement from the experts in the area of cerebral palsy that this program was a worthwhile thing to do."
But, the Department went ahead with a pilot nevertheless. Perhaps now they need some encouragement - and the campaign needs some support from the rest of us?
"At this stage, Government funds have only been secured until the end of 2009. The parents have called on the new Education Minister Liz Constable to make a longer term commitment."
Perhaps we on the Conductive Web should each write to the Education Minister with reasons for making that vital long term commitment?
Can Lightnur or anyone at Carson Street help us with that?
