By Bob Sullivan
Morgan County Business Leader
Lara DePoy’s son Jackson has cerebral palsy — but he is fortunate, his mother is an occupational therapist. Now, thanks to the DePoys, others with cerebral palsy (CP) or other motor disabilities can get help. The DePoy family founded the Jackson Center in 2005 in rented space in Greenwood and relocated to a customized facility in Mooresville April 19, 2009.
“There are about 30 other conductive education programs in the United States, but we’re the only one in Indiana,” Melanie DePoy explained about the Jackson Center, where she serves as development director. Conductive education, according to Lara DePoy, Melanie’s daughter-in-law and the Center’s program director and occupational therapist, is an educational and rehabilitative program that helps people with motor disabilities perform tasks that lessen their dependence on others. “It covers daily living skills such as bathing, dressing, eating, hygiene and other needs. We customize repetitive training to address the needs and abilities of the student. The repetition helps them develop normal interactions and greater independence. Conductive education includes cognitive skills, communication, fine and gross motor skills and socialization.”
Children can enter the program as early as 6 months of age. The conductive education process enhances self-worth through greater independence. “The program is not just geared for CP. We currently have a 66-year-old gentleman recovering from stroke complications and benefiting from our methods.”
Download the full June 2009 Edition here.
