Who are we ?

Who are we? The Centre pour le développement (CDI) is a specialised psycho-educational competencies centre that cares for children, adolescents and young people with disorders that affect their intellectual development.

The CDI is part of a network of 8 psychoeducational centres and the Agence pour la transition vers une vie autonome, which promotes inclusion in education.

Our
philosophy

The basis for action

Each individual possesses a unique personality and admirable attributes. Members of each unit commit to valuing and appreciating this diversity. Grounding their work in mutual respect and trust, they aspire to offer everyone the right to self-determination and the opportunity for individual fulfilment.

Teaching approach

Our staff recognizes the individuality of each and every student. The educational and therapeutic concepts used complement each another, and are rooted in scientific research. The services we provide are built upon established and innovative theories, as well as effective didactic and methodological models.

Vision

In a society that embraces inclusivity, fostering self-determination is crucial in facilitating the active participation of every individual. This fundamental principle, acknowledged and embraced by all those involved, serves as the foundation for all endeavors aimed at promoting the intellectual and physical growth, autonomy, and well-being of children and young individuals with special educational needs. At the CDI, our dedicated staff members are committed to appreciating and celebrating the diverse qualities that enhance our collective existence on a daily basis.

Mission

The CDI provides tailored support for children and adolescents, their families and external partners, based on a relationship of trust and mutual respect.

Thanks to an approach based on prevention, intervention and compensation, the employee enables the people they support to participate in the areas of life that interest them.

Our Approach

Prevention

Awareness of disability at an early age can avert potential frustrations and failures later in life.

Irrespective of the level of prevention (targeted or universal), the CDI strives to inform and raise awareness about Special Needs education/ special psychoeducation.

In the context of educational and social inclusion, the CDI’s staff provide advisory services on request and in consultation with the child or adolescent’s parents, legal representatives and relevant professionals. Providing timely information and support to parents and professionals has consistently been a crucial form of assistance and served as an essential prerequisite for destigmatizing disability within society.

In addition, the CDI elaborates and offers training in Special Needs Education for staff employed at primary schools and secondary schools and also for those in education and childcare services.

Intervention

Intervention Specialised, tailored interventions promote inclusion, enabling children and young people with special needs to progress using strategies and methods derived from special needs education.

Depending on the needs of the child or adolescent in question, the CDI intervenes at a range of different levels:

by offering different services for children, it consistently contributes to enhancing the tailored response to the potential and individual need of every child and adolescent

it offers professional advice and guidance to families regarding their children’s educations.
It collaborates with formal and informal services and institutions that are related to the specific field, aiming to equip the children and adolescents with all tools necessary to live an autonomous adult life.

Compensation

Access to compensation of the repercussions of disability is a universal right, irrespective of the origin or nature of the impairment.

Educational adjustments (regardless which school the child attends) or the use of specialised professionals are emphasised to ensure a smooth progression in learning (Nachteilsausgleich).

The CDI actively participates in implementing adaptations to facilitate the integration of each child and adolescent into their educational and vocational settings.

(adapted teaching methods, analysis, and organisation of the environment).

In very general terms, compensation for disadvantages can be defined as “(…) the neutralisation or reduction of the limitations caused by a disability”(Jost & al., 2014. Compensation des désavantages: un pas vers l’école inclusive).

The target audiences

Parents, legal representatives or adolescents of legal age seeking advice in intellectual disabilities.

The target audiences

Teaching staff at primary and secondary schools seeking diagnosis specialized in Special Needs and / or basic advice on appropriate intervention strategies.

The target audiences

External partners requesting further training / hospitation in the field of intellectual impairments disorders.

The CDI in figures

388

Students registered at the CDI and spread over 7 annexes

126

Students treated in regular schools

133

Students in cycles 1 – 4

161

Students in cycles 5 and 6

Professional and occupational students

Staff in the administrative and technical unit

190

Teaching unit staff

Employees in the diagnostics, advice and monitoring unit

Employees in the rehabilitation and therapy unit

Our Team

On a daily basis, our commitment lies in the pursuit of shared objectives, accompanied by a collective accountability for our actions. We address daily challenges with professionalism, creativity, mutual support, and empathy.

We highly esteem the skills and complementary experiences of our employees, recognizing their individuality as a valuable resource.