I didn’t expect to be writing another blog so quickly. In fact, I didn’t think my blog about the Demand for MEDEK from a parent’s perspective would cause a stir (both good and bad). If you are a fellow special needs mom then you know we advocate enough for our kids on a daily basis.
Pictured above is a post by one of three “certified Level IV CME Practitioners” in the world with “permission” to train other therapist.
The word MEDEK is certainly not “hey you”, it is synonymous with CME and Ramón Cuevas. It’s like saying Ramón or Cuevas. Not disrespectful at all. In fact he was the person who came up with that term. Ramón’s technique has actually had three different names. The focus should be the change this technique (alone and in conjunction with other therapies) is making in kids like my son.
Ramón’s educational program keeps changing. From what I have heard, there has never been a set standard as to how to achieve a level. This is very different from any other technique out there.
If the “new” educational program started in 2000, how are there only three level IV therapists? That’s 19 years. How is that allowing children access to this technique? Why is this so controlled? Every other technique has many people trained. No, they may not be perfect or exactly like the creator, but it is good enough to help kids (which is the entire purpose).
You might answer that Ramón wants to control how people practice his technique, but I can guarantee you that once the therapist returns to practice on their own you will have no idea if they are good or bad. There are so many therapists who learn differently. Some who can handle kids easily and some who can’t. It is impossible to control this.
Just as many people as Ramón trains there are many more that have never heard of the technique and many, many more who cannot access learning the technique. How is this helping? The numbers are overwhelming and I get emails/messages everyday from parents and therapists desperate for help from all over the world.
There are some therapists that have tried to contact Ramón to learn, but have not had any success. Why?
Therapists are desperate to learn the technique once they have discovered it because of social media, so Ramón can no longer hide it or control the influx of people who want to learn it. He has now lost control and people will learn it with or without his teaching.
Self development comes in many forms. Continuing education in the United States is essential to keep therapists up-to-date with the most current researched techniques. Limiting yourself to one technique is not recommended as it stops critical thinking. Ramón still continues to develop new exercises however the underlying assumption has not grown or changed. So if you only learn CME you cannot grow. Other techniques continue to evolve. I think I speak for most parents of special needs kids when I say, we want a therapist that thinks outside of the box and is willing to customize treatment plans specifically to our child ( using multiple techniques).
Where is the CME research? Why is the CME assessment tool not researched or validated. Therapists need evidence based practice to validate to insurances. Parents need this research in order for insurance companies to cover this type of therapy. Paying out of pocket is not an option for the majority. Lack of research is because Ramón has limited his contact and teaching. The more people taught, the more research will be done.
The CME certificate is recognized by ONE man only as he has limited his growth and contact with others in the world. Parents and therapists don’t care about certification, but want to learn techniques in order to help their child or their patients.
The CME/MEDEK Therapists who are trying to make a change in the world by sharing and caring about others, are valued most. People, like one of our favorites, Ester Fink (yes I know the story) have traveled the world and trained others, so that intensives like RehabMe can help so many families. Therapists like Jake, Bernie, Jo-Anne, etc. give up their time to travel and reach families in need (most of whom can’t travel because of the dozens of obstacles we all face as special needs parents). They are different from you as they don’t want to be the only ONE to hold your apparent special title. You put in so much effort to stop others from obtaining rather than sharing your knowledge and skills more freely.
If you think that people aren’t seeing the real truth, you are wrong. Things are changing and I couldn’t be more excited about that. Excited for new families that will be able to access this therapy and excited for therapists that will be learning this technique. You can support the change and be welcomed to help or you can continue down your path. It is unbecoming and your reputation is being soiled by your actions. Your strong stance and posts are turning people off you, which is a shame as I truly believe you are a good therapist. I can only urge you to step back and think carefully.
Ultimately, you can’t legally patent a medical technique as it is for the greater good of mankind (in this case, CHILDREN). Sure, you can trademark a name. Ethically and morally, medical techniques must be shared.