Training in the MOVE mobility programme, MOVE

MOVE is a national charity working with severely disabled children to increase their mobility and independence.  Children set their own goals which could be learning to hold their head up for the first time.  For others it could be playing football with their friends.

A gait trainer helps Matthew play hockey

St Nicholas' school in Canterbury is a special school and a centre of excellence for the MOVE programme.

They recently held their MOVE Olympics which saw the children taking part in all sorts of games.

Stephen King is the assistant head teacher at St Nicholas'.

"Children often come to us with their legs bent at 90 degrees from sitting in a wheelchair all the time," he says.
The MOVE programme develops their muscles, their range of movement and their ability to do things for themselves. 

It's sustained throughout the day, so whether they're in a lesson, at home or out at the cinema, they are constantly progressing."

Gait trainers are a key piece of equipment.  When the children start using them, they give their bodies full  support while allowing them to develop their walking abilities.

Ami enjoying the MOVE Olympics

They are completely adaptable and Ami (right) has progressed so much that she now just uses hers as a supportive seat.

The MOVE programme also creates a change in the children's behaviour.

"Children with special needs can often feel they're not being listened to," says Stephen.  "Being motivated by setting their own goals can improve their behaviour."

MOVE can not only improve life for children with disabilities, it can also extend their lives.

Charlene has Rett syndrome, a neurological disorder which sees children regress in their abilities from around the age of two.  It can also cause breathing problems and epilepsy.

It largely affects girls and because of their poor posture, they're very susceptible to chest infections.  Their average life expectancy is just 19 years old. 

But the MOVE programme has made Charlene more upright and improved her breathing.  She's just celebrated her 20th birthday.

Jeans for Genes has awarded MOVE a grant towards its practitioner training programme.

One two-day training course can train everyone involved with a child's care, including teachers, therapists and their parents.  So you can see that it doesn't take that much money to make a huge difference.