MOVE training - seeing is believing

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“Wow, I can walk,” seemed to be Darian Alejo’s thought, as he was observed by Taft City School District health care specialist Kiki Pridmoore.

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Hannah Abrams, assisted by Minnie Kudo, drew an admiringly astonished look from teacher Janelle Verhoeven, as she moved in her pacer.

Remember those early days of elementary school when “show and tell” time was your opportunity to share a favorite story or show how a gadget worked with the rest of the class? Each year in June, MOVE (Mobility Opportunities Via Education) International has its own version of “show and tell” at its headquarters in Bakersfield, CA, where the purpose is much more serious and the outcome can be life changing. Approximately 70 participants came from across the nation and countries such as Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Mexico and New Zealand to learn by seeing and doing at MOVE’s annual training held June 24-27.

MOVE was founded in 1986 by Kern County Superintendent of Schools special education teacher Linda Bidabe to teach children with severe disabilities how to sit, stand, walk and gain independent mobility. Since its inception, the MOVE Curriculum has developed programs for both children and adults, serving all age groups from birth to death. MOVE is in use in more than 25 countries. The curriculum has been translated into 13 languages.

Teachers, aides, physical therapists and other caregivers, as well as parents with their own children, came to Bakersfield to receive certification as basic providers or trainers. “Hands on” training gave them an opportunity to test techniques and procedures in a setting that closely duplicates what they will experience in their own homes, classrooms and clinics.

On day two, Argentina’s María Inés Seyler, a physical therapist, was a willing Guinea pig getting a chance to learn from the founder, Bidabe. Bidabe strapped Seyler into a harness and demonstrated how she could be raised and lowered without any human lifting in an apparatus called the “Rifton SoloLift.”

“My whole life I have had an interest with how the body works,” Seyler said. “It started with my involvement in gymnastics. Later, I became curious about the role of neurology and how children are affected. Argentina, unlike the United States, doesn’t have laws mandating special education. So, there are few programs in the schools, and parents are very frustrated. This training justifies why we need to have all the tools. I plan to share my experiences and let others know about MOVE and what it can do.”

Since many parents bring their children to learn with them, the training affords everyone a chance to see how the skills work with real people. Equal amounts of smiling and tears were in evidence once young Darian Alejo from Winnetka and Hannah Abrams from Canoga Park were given their chances to learn to walk in an apparatus called a pacer. The biggest smiles were on the faces of Darian and Hannah. Stricken with cerebral palsy, they experienced the previously unknown and unlearned joy of walking.

Both Darian’s mom María and Hannah’s mom Lesley had brought video cameras along to capture this historic moment in their children’s lives. Lesley was really having a hard time operating hers, while trying to wipe tears out of her eyes.

As Hannah, guided by MOVE trainer Patti La Bouff, came closer to her mom, Lesley could be heard saying, “My gosh, I’ve only got a minute left on the camera, and she’s got it down already. She’s moving. I’m amazed. It’s incredible, inspirational. I’m really happy for her. It isn’t often she feels like she’s accomplished something. I can’t wait to get home and show my husband. Eventually, maybe Hannah can walk in a walker and have a life of her own, and so will I.”

For more information about MOVE International check its Web site, http://www.move-international.org or call 800-397-MOVE (6683).


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