Mobility Opportunities

Via Education, otherwise known as MOVE, is a new unique educational program

designed to help people with disabilities learn skills needed for sitting,

standing, and walking.

This collaborative

program utilizes the services and knowledge of parents, educators, therapists,

and other support personnel to help the participant learn and practice

skills while engaged in activities of daily living.

The Joseph

Sams School, Fayetteville, was designated as the Model Site for MOVE.

Several staff members spent time in Bakersfield, Calif. learning the motor

improvement programs that were designed for students with severe, multiple

disabilities. MOVE uses wheel chairs, walkers, standers, and specialized

chairs. The program strives to be educational rather than just involve

therapy and to offer the highest degree of independence and dignity for

the student involved.

Linda Bidabe

is the founder and creator of the MOVE program and curriculum. She has

spent nearly 30 years in education, the majority of which have been in

Special Education at the Kern County Superintendent of schools office

in Bakersfield. Her goal is meaningful and functional movement in natural

and everyday settings for children who are multiply disabled.

She was on

hand at the dedication ceremony at the Sams School and presented the charter

designating the school as the Model Site in Georgia. Lana Carr, executive

director at the school, was one of those attending classes in California.

Accepting the

charter on behalf of the faculty and students were Hope and Scott Blackstock,

parents of student Justis Blackstock.