The first Pető Point outside Budapest was established last year at the MedTech Health Technology Campus of Széchenyi István University, located in Zrínyi utca in Győr. This conductive pedagogical service has become available in the North Transdanubian region through a collaboration between SZE and Semmelweis University.

Széchenyi István University is developing its MedTech Health Technology Campus in the former hospital complex on Zrínyi utca, Győr. The first completed building of the campus was inaugurated in May 2024. In cooperation with Semmelweis University, the country’s first regional Pető Point has been established at the facility, providing local access to conductive education for those in need of developmental support.

Qualified conductors work with those participating in the development at the Pető Point established at the MedTech Campus of Széchenyi István University (Photo: András Adorján)

Conductive pedagogy is a special needs education rehabilitation method that supports children with neurological motor disorders and multiple disabilities in becoming more independent and leading a fuller life. The service, now available in Győr, offers individual and group developmental sessions, personalised comprehensive pedagogical development plans, parental consultations, and guidance for home-based development.

“The Pető Point provides support for individuals with central nervous system disorders and various symptoms of motor developmental difficulties. For affected individuals and their families in the North Transdanubian region, it is a great relief that they no longer need to travel to Budapest and have access to the service with practically no waiting time. Conductive education aids their social integration, and the conductors, specially trained by Semmelweis University, not only focus on motor development but also on cognitive development,” stated Dr Erzsébet Stephens-Sarlós, a sensorimotor trainer and researcher at Széchenyi István University.

She emphasised the importance of ensuring that as many affected individuals as possible utilise this service, as the comprehensive method can bring significant improvement. She also highlighted that the earlier the intervention begins, the more effective the method is. Therefore, while the primary target group is children, adults are also welcome. The developmental programme is designed to support children with delayed motor development, atypical developmental pathways, increased or reduced muscle tone, asymmetrical posture, and diagnosed neurological impairments. From as early as six months of age, children can receive support in areas such as gross and fine motor skills, communication, cognitive abilities, and social skills. For adults, it is equally crucial to initiate pedagogical rehabilitation as soon as possible, whether dealing with central nervous system injuries, strokes, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease.

The primary objectives of the development programme include improving walking ability, engaging both hands in activities, fostering and maintaining an active lifestyle, achieving self-sufficiency in line with the individual's motor capabilities, applying acquired skills in daily life, and enhancing speech and communication techniques.

The comprehensive method aims to improve quality of life (Photo: András Adorján)

About the Pető Method

Dr András Pető (1893–1967) based his concept on the idea that, despite neurological damage, the human nervous system retains reserves and the potential to form new connections, which can be activated through appropriately guided learning and teaching processes. He named his method “conductive” after the Latin word meaning “guidance.” One of the fundamental aims of conductive pedagogy—regardless of age—is to teach individuals how to adapt to a lifelong condition, thereby developing their learning abilities. Further information about the method can be found by clicking here.

Accessing the Service

The fee-based service at the Pető Point in Győr is available by prior appointment (email: peto.gyor@semmelweis.hu, telephone: +36-30-877-2914, website: Pető Point Győr).