MOVE International
1300 17th Street
CITY CENTRE
Bakersfield, CA 93301-4533 USA
800-397-MOVE(6683)
move-international@kern.org

MOVE International is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. 

MISSION STATEMENT: MOVE International seeks to improve the overall quality of life for people with disabilities and for the people who care for them, regardless of age or cause of disability. MOVE International promotes fuller participation in home, school, work and community life to encourage the dignity and hope such participation brings to each individual.

The mission statement is founded in the belief that the ability to move is the first foundation stone in building personal dignity. 

The MOVE Program originated in the 1980s in the Kern County Superintendent of Schools,  Bakersfield, California.  The MOVE Program is now used in many school districts and other facilities/organizations throughout the United States and many other nations.


To: Parents and Professionals Interested in Starting MOVE

From: David Schreuder, Executive Director and Sheron Renfro, Program Specialist Many calls are received from parents and professionals asking the following: 1)What is MOVE? 2) Is the MOVE Program used anywhere near us? 3) How do we get the MOVE Program started in our school? 4) How can we learn to use the MOVE Program? The following strategies are suggested:
    • Call the MOVE International office and ask to speak with David Schreuder, executive director. Ask him about MOVE information materials and MOVE DVDs. Most importantly, discuss with him about visiting a MOVE Model Site to see the MOVE Program in actual operation. Staff at MOVE Model Sites are eager to tell how the MOVE Program began at their schools/sites. Look under the Model Sites section of this website to find a listing of model sites and contact information. The staff at MOVE Model Sites are also very helpful in answering any questions about the MOVE Program • Identify the administrator in your district who has responsibility for special education programs. A good place to start is with the principal at your child’s/student’s school. Bring your MOVE information and/or videos to their attention. Be sure to let the schools know that the MOVE International office is willing, able and eager to work with them. Suggest the administrator call or even visit a MOVE Model Site. • As with any new approach, there are those who are slow to see the advantages and successes in store for them and the children. Be persistent and patient. • Arrange a MOVE Basic Provider training with MOVE International to be conducted at your school for staff (teachers, therapists, assistants) and interested parents on how to use the MOVE Program. Following the training, begin with a pilot study and involve just a few students at first. Call the MOVE office for suggestions on how to get started and how to record data. • Include mobility programming in your child’s/student’s I.E.P. This is a giant step that needs to be done with cooperation and support of everyone involved; child, parents, teachers, therapists and administrators. The MOVE Program works best from a team appoach. • Small “seed money” fund raisers can help purchase M.O.V.E. (Mobility Opportunities Via Education)® Curriculums, equipment and even the cost for a MOVE Basic Provider training. Organizations such as Rotary and Kiwanis are often willing to help. The effect of the community taking ownership of new ideas to help children learn is powerful. Your commitment to success for your child will be appreciated.
Best wishes and let us know how you are doing and how we can assist you further.

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