IMPACT

Post-sixteen education/rehabilitation programmes

IMPACT Trainer, Certified Training Programmes.

• IMPACT is a method of learning for adults who wish to improve their Mobility, Co-ordination and Dexterity, and reduce the effect of motor impairment due to neurological damage, accident or ageing.
• IMPACT is client centred. The programmes are built upon the participants already existing 'potential' abilities which in some cases maybe latent. The programmes encourage individuality and require active involvement

  In these programmes, under guidance of the Impact trainer, participants work in groups supporting each other to achieve a common goal of functional independence (or whatever their aims may desire) according to their individual choice.

• IMPACT can be used by participants themselves or by carers and family members.
• IMPACT aims to help participants become active learners instead of passive recipients.
• IMPACT offers participants holistic programmes, which seek to integrate the learning of motor skills, personal care and functional independence according to individually capability and needs.
• IMPACT Programmes provide ample opportunities for continuous problem solving through active experience in a 'normal' life like environment.

  Goals are set with high expectations but take into consideration individual abilities and needs.

  The first step in creating programmes is to understand the importance of the active way of lifestyle.

  The trainer creates conditions and provides tools and processes for competency and development in all areas of life.

• IMPACT was designed and created in 1996 by Judit Szathmary a graduate of the Petö Institute, Budapest. Her aim was to transform individuals lives who spent endless days in day centres, nursing homes and rest homes.
  
  With the IMPACT approach, their life became more enjoyable, their health improved (in some cases medication reduced or eliminated), they became more aware of what they wanted to do for themselves and therefore they were able to make personal choices. Their community spirit was re-charged and each person looked towards the future with more focus and hope.
  
  In order to achieve the above, a new vocational training was created for staff to equip them with the necessary theoretical and practical skills to radically improve the lives of others.
  
  The pilot project was set up with the help of SCOPE and was introduced at Central Middlesex Skills Development Centre (CMSS) and to this day still successfully operates.
  
  This CMSS pilot project could only manifest because of the understanding and forward thinking nature of the manager, Betty Morris and the Committee behind her at CMSS.
  
  Judit Szathmary through her travelling and teaching, gained invaluable experiences while helping to improve the quality of life for individuals with different disabilities worldwide.
  
  Judit was deeply inspired and felt ordained to set up IMPACT in the United Kingdom.
• The IMPACT project can be set up anywhere in the world in any circumstances and in any setting.
  
  The training is organised by the Szathmary Corporation and involves a commitment minimum of eighteen months.