Conductive Education (CE) was developed by Andres Peto in Budapest, Hungary, in 1945 and led to the establishment of the Peto Institute, which provides CE services to children and adults worldwide. In its simplest definition, CE is described as rehabilitation through learning. This unique group method of active learning allows individuals living with motor disorders the opportunities to maximize functional independence. CE provides a method of intervention, which offers an educationally relevant model, maximizes client function and independence, provides cost-effectiveness, a systematic change in services delivery, and intensive motor training.

The Foundation awarded a three-year grant to Governors State University to develop a certificate program in the Principles of Conductive Education for licensed rehabilitation professionals. This advanced training offers the practitioner higher-level clinical knowledge and experience as well as hands-on clinical skills with CE. Additionally, the certificate program provides the opportunity for the development of evidence-based practice, which may lead to further studies supporting CE.

To facilitate evidence-based practice, the Center for Independence through Conductive Education, will serve as the lab school for the Certificate in the Principles of Conductive Education. A transdisciplinary team incorporates occupational and physical therapists with the principals of CE, which uses intensive training to teach children independent living skills. This  group education method has achieved remarkable results compared to conventional one-on-one therapies by providing peer interaction, competition, and support that builds a strong foundation of encouragement, motivation, and confidence. The Center for Independence began in 1997 as a parent-directed group offering summer programming and today is the only year-round program for school-age children.