Conductive Education

Welcome to the Conductive Education information portal of the Xavier Special Education Unit.

Xavier is an Education Queensland setting for children with motor disorders such as developmental delay and cerebral palsy; it is the only centre in Queensland where all programs are based on the principles of Conductive Education.

The quality of Xavier’s programs means it enjoys a reputation for excellence, not only within this state, but nationally and internationally. Children attend from many areas including the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and many suburbs of Brisbane and surrounding areas Several families have moved from interstate and country areas and some from overseas, to enrol their children at Xavier.

Conductive Education “CE” originated in Hungary and is facilitated by a Conductor. “CE” is a holistic approach to providing a system of education designed to meet the varying needs of children with physical and multiple impairments. The disciplines of physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and teaching are integrated into a meaningful whole. “CE” fosters a belief in every child’s ability to learn, it promotes personality development and empowers parents to be able to support their child’s development.

Most children who come to Xavier have very little control over their bodies, they soon make the progress that had eluded them and families find the hope they had searched for. Xavier’s “CE” programs have been a necessary stepping-stone towards effective integration into mainstream schools for some students while others have achieved a level of independence beyond expectations.

“CE” is a way of life - the families who have taken on the challenge to understand and practice it have found they soon become enthusiasts; the staff at Xavier shares the same enthusiasm. From humble beginnings in a hospital ward in 1970, Xavier Special Education Unit has become a crucial part of the education system and has touched the lives of hundreds of grateful families.