MOVE®

The MOVE Program at Heartwood School is based on the MOVE International model. 

MOVE is a philosophy...a way of life and proven practice in which individuals with multiple disabilities can learn to:

SIT to eat, participate in activities, study, and even work;
STAND for activities such as washing at a sink and food prep;
WALK to move to participate in play or complete tasks (with and without support);
TRANSITION from bed to chair, sitting to standing, etc.

Children and adults with multiple disabilities, and their care providers and educators, benefit from innovative techniques and training provided as part of the MOVE program. Many individuals who had little hope now have opportunities for inclusion within families, agencies, schools and centers, and communities.

Thank you to our Heartwood staff who have integrated MOVE into everyday activities to improve student outcomes. #inghamimpact

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This is a story about a little boy named Keethan. Less than 2 years ago, Keethan came to us a non-walker. He was on level II of the MOVE evaluation in most areas. Before he even started at Heartwood, his mom called our school. She was hopeful to borrow a walker. She wanted to ensure he had opportunities and support to get stronger and walk. Once he had the walker, he was so excited. He started cruising around and was knocking into every obstacle. He improved so much he was running with it. Keethan was eager to learn and challenge himself.  He had an abundance of support from his family and staff. He learned quickly to control his walker. He began stopping, smiling and signing at people throughout the school. He was then given a new challenge of a front wheeled walker. This required him to use his hip strength more for support. Once again he learned quickly how to control the new walker. He started running errands and helped with classroom jobs. He has gained so much mobility and independence. Most recently he has ditched the walker. Keethan has been learning how to navigate the school with minimal support. He can now walk independently within the classroom. Keethan can walk greater distances than ever before without the walker. He loves his independence. It is great to see his joy as he moves throughout the school.  Keethan's new challenge is conquering the balance beam obstacle course. We are so proud of his determination to be a walker. The MOVE program connects family dreams with functional school goals. It revolves around plenty of meaningful opportunities to practice. Way to achieve your dreams Keethan!
  

Read valuable information that will help you provide better care and improve outcomes for people with disabilities.

Adaptive Mobility and Positioning Blog

I dreamt I stood in a studio,
And watched two sculptors there.
The clay they used was a young child's mind,
And they fashioned it with care.

One was a teacher, the tools she used
Were books, music, and art.
One a parent with a guiding hand
And a gentle loving heart.
Day after day, the teacher toiled,
with a touch that was deft and sure.
While the parent labored by his side,
And polished and smoothed it o'er.

And when at last, their work was done,
They were proud of what they had wroght.
For the things they had molded into the child,
Could neither be sold nor bought.

And each agreed they would have failed
If each had worked alone,
For behind the parent stood the school
And behind the teacher the home.

MOVE stands for Mobility Opportunities Via Education®/Experience. MOVE® is an activity-based program used in homes, schools, day programs and the community. Using a top-down approach, MOVE® combines the individuals' present abilities with an instructional process during motivational activities to help the individual improve their mobility skills of sitting, standing, walking, and transitioning - leading to improved health, independence, dignity and inclusion of the individual in the family and community. MOVE International

In May of 2010, Heartwood School became a Model Site with MOVE International. Heartwood is one of three model sites in Michigan. All  Heartwood staff are trained in the MOVE philosophy. Some staff are trainers of MOVE and have the opportunity to help other schools embrace this way of learning and teaching.