Thomas secures funding for MOVE Center

movet: Student Lauren Latta demonstrates to visitors her ability to walk with a “pacer” accomplished through MOVE training in Bakersfield.A second round of funding has been secured by Rep. Bill Thomas, R-Bakersfield, to help build the MOVE International Training Center in southeast Bakersfield. MOVE provides training to parents and caregivers to teach severely disabled children and adults to learn to sit, stand and walk.

Thomas announced Nov.8 that he obtained a federal appropriation of $240,000. The funding is in addition to $400,000 Thomas secured in 1999 for MOVE.

“The energy and interest Congressman Thomas has put forth on behalf of MOVE speaks volumes about his commitment to assist Kern County children and his compassion and desire to help people with disabilities,” said Kern County Superintendent of Schools Larry E. Reider.

MOVE International is operated by the county superintendent. It was developed in the mid-1980s for children with severe disabilities whose movement was so restricted they often spent their lives on bean bags. Linda Bidabe, a special education teacher, created the curriculum that helps children and adults gain or regain mobility and allows them to better function in their home community.

MOVE is used throughout the world and has provided mobility to thousands. The curriculum has been translated into eight languages.

Plans call for the $2.6 million facility to be constructed on a two-acre site adjacent to the Claude W. Richardson Child Development Center, located off Cottonwood Road in southeast Bakersfield. When completed, the center will provide training to parents, professionals and care-givers of children and adults with disabilities.

“This is certainly an exciting time for the many in MOVE International and this office, who labored so long on behalf of these special children and adults. Congressman Thomas has provided a resource that will accelerate our efforts to provide a facility that can offer on-site training to people everywhere,” said Reider. “His efforts are making a difference in the lives of many.”
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