CCR is Taking
Incredible Steps
History is being made in our own backyards. On May 25th 2007,
Chesapeake Care Resources (CCR) in North East MD, will be dedicated the
first M.O.V.E. (Mobility Opportunities Via Education/Experience)
adult model site in the World!
MOVE is an activity-based program that combines natural body mechanics
with an instructional process designed to help people with severe
physical disabilities acquire increasing amounts of motor independence
needed for sitting, standing and walking. This program was developed to
improve quality of life for children with severe physical disabilities,
and after great success with children it was time to try their magic on
adults.
Chesapeake Care Resources became the initial adult pilot study site for
MOVE International. A research study was initiated under the direction
of Doctors Keith and Stacie Whinnery from the University of Western
Florida to determine if the curriculum used with children would be
successful with adults. It has been said that adults with disabilities
(after age 21-like our folks) can no longer learn, but instead slowly
lose the few skills they have until eventually they become totally
dependent upon others to care for them. CCR wanted to see if the
principals of MOVE could help adults learn and progress in their skills.
After 18 months, the individuals chosen to be the focus group for the
study made incredible gains. After seeing these successes, staff
suggested expanding MOVE to the rest of the 54 individuals.
Tears have fallen on many occasions as we saw the "impossible" happen
before our very eyes. Many of these folks never had their feet on the
floor much less stand or walk. Now they are all taking steps, some
independently,
and some with the help of state of the art specialized
equipment.
Because of MOVE, the
programming
has been transformed from the standard adult daycare center format to an
active exciting experience for the participants. They now have the
opportunity to make their own choices. They no longer wait for others to
do for them;
they do for themselves. The smiles on each face and looks of pride and
accomplishment are the true measure of the life changing results reaped
from MOVE at CCR.
