── Research & Collaborations
Proven expertise
Philou LAB is the laboratory through which our ideas for improving the quality of life for families living with a polyimpaired child. Since 2017, we have started and collaborated on the creation of a dozen initiatives, some of which have materialized into programs at Centre Philou and beyond. Here are some of them :
Philou + CHUM
Together with 1st and 2nd line partners, rehabilitation centers, parents, school, social and community services, Centre Philou and the CHUM are in the process of developing an ambitious transition project that is efficient, optimal and facilitating, in order to improve the life trajectory and complete, integrated care of polyimpaired individuals who have become adults and their aging families. The results will allow us to establish a future transition model.
MUSCO
In 2020, Centre Philou actively participated in the MUSCO program. The project, powered by CHU Sainte-Justine and its Marie Enfant Rehabilitation Centre, the Montreal Children’s Hospital and the Shriners Hospitals for Children, aims to transform the care of children living with musculoskeletal disorders and requiring complex care, while offering better support to families.
Recommendations for optimal service provision to polyimpaired children and their families
« Recommendations for optimal service provision to polyimpaired children and their families » is a joint research with researchers and professionals from Centre Philou, McGill University, Shriners Hospital and Université de Montréal. It was presented at the Kids Brain Health Network Conference in Ottawa.
Ad Hoc Committee with CIUSSS Centre-Ouest
A multi-sector initiative for the improvement and trajectory of rehabilitation and ongoing support services for children with disabilities.
Chantier Répit-SPPH
In 2020, our partner Solidarité de parents de personnes handicapées (SPPH) undertook the second phase of the Chantier québécois pour le répit offert aux familles de personnes handicapées. Centre Philou participated with several other organizations.
Special Yoga: 1 on 1 heart-to-heart sessions
Where does Special Yoga comes from
Introduced in England in 2002 by Jyoto Manuel, the Special Yoga methodology contributes to the development of the potential of children with special needs.
The methodology consists of a multitude of practices adapted to a wide range of diagnoses, including ASD, Cerebral Palsy and Motor Impairment, Sensory Impairment, etc. Special Yoga certification is awarded to yoga teachers after several recognized courses.
Christine Levrot is the only certified Special Yoga teachers in Quebec and has developed a very special relationship with polyimpaired children and youg adults.
The intention of Special Yoga at Philou
Keeping the young polyimpaired person connected to their heart, their body and to a space of calm, softness, gentleness, and love, are the intentions behind the creation of the Special Yoga practices at Philou. And above all, to allow them to benefit from yoga sessions adapted to their body and their needs.
Yoga heart-to-heart
Yoga means union. Union of all aspects of his being – physical, energetic, emotional mental and spiritual – in a harmonious and balanced whole. The yoga practices at Philou also pursue this path thanks to a simple structure during which the companion is guided by a certified yoga and special yoga teacher. We like to say that these are heart-to-heart yoga sessions, between the heart of the guide, the companions and the young person.
The benefits
In addition to creating space in the youth’s body and bringing presence, several benefits have been noted in our youth following the practice of Special Yoga. Among those : Deep relaxation; Decreased anxiety; Emotional regulation; More calm and focus. In addition, these practices influence the strengthening of anatomical structures as well as on the balance of the nervous system of the young polyimpaired person.
The structure of the practices
Even if the practices of Special Yoga are created and carried towards the young person, the accompanying person is invited to practice and benefit from their effects.
– We begin by establishing the heart-to-heart connection through a short meditation and by creating an intention for the practice.
– This is followed by exercises that aim to bring presence to parts of the young person’s body, or awareness, to the body parts, or body awareness, through breathing exercises that allow for contact with the breath and exercises to anchor and warm up.
– With the mind calmed and anchored in the present, the young person is ready to practice physical exercises that we adapt to their needs and condition.
– The session ends with a moment of relaxation followed by a chant/mantra that closes the 1 hour practice.
Following a survey of the accompanying persons, Christine Levrot has collected impressive results and the observations, from the companions concerning their youth, which can be summarized as follows: “More calm, relaxation and deeper breathing, letting go and connecting to a deep space within themselves”. As for the effects on the companions, they were similar with additions such as “more patience, compassion and unconditional love”. Furthermore, the duos “polyimpaired person and companion ” are unanimous on the fact that these practices allow for a new mode of communication, a complicity in the presence and in the silence.
