CECO

About CECO

The Conductive Education Center of Orlando (CECO) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children, teens, and adults with motor and cognitive disabilities build skills for greater independence.

For more than 25 years, CECO has provided Conductive Education programming in Central Florida and has grown to become the largest Conductive Education center in the United States. Our approach combines movement, communication, problem-solving, self-care, and functional learning throughout the participant's day.

At CECO, learning happens through active participation. Our interdisciplinary environment gives students interested in healthcare, rehabilitation, education, and human services the opportunity to see how physical, cognitive, social, and daily living goals can be addressed together.

About the Internship

CECO is seeking motivated college students and recent graduates for a highly active, hands-on internship at our Winter Park and Longwood locations.

This is not an observation-based or primarily sedentary internship. Interns are actively involved with participants throughout the day and should expect to spend the majority of their shift standing, walking, bending, kneeling, squatting, assisting with movement and positioning, and providing hands-on physical support.

Applicants must be comfortable with a physically demanding environment and able to repeatedly lift, support, and assist with up to 50 pounds throughout the day.

Interns work alongside Conductors, therapists, educators, and experienced program staff while supporting individuals with motor and cognitive disabilities during structured daily programming.

Depending on program placement, interns may gain experience assisting with:

• Functional movement and mobility activities
• Communication and cognitive skill development
• Classroom and educational programming
• Activities of daily living and self-care routines
• Social engagement and independence-building activities
• Transitions, positioning, transfers, and physical assistance
• Community-based and functional life-skills activities
• Individual and group programming

Interns receive guidance and mentorship throughout their experience while developing practical skills in communication, teamwork, adaptability, professional boundaries, and participant-centered support.

This opportunity is particularly valuable for students who want substantial direct experience before entering graduate school or careers in occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, nursing, medicine, psychology, special education, social work, exercise science, rehabilitation, or related fields.

Who We're Looking For

Successful interns are dependable, compassionate, engaged, and comfortable learning through direct participation. Applicants should be interested in working closely with individuals with disabilities and contributing as part of a collaborative team.

Preferred candidates are:

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a healthcare, therapy, education, psychology, social services, exercise science, pre-med, nursing, or related program
• Comfortable interacting directly with children, teens, and/or adults with disabilities
• Professional and dependable with strong communication skills
• Patient, flexible, and receptive to feedback
• Willing to take initiative while following the direction of experienced staff
• Able to collaborate effectively with educators, therapists, staff, participants, and families

Important Physical Requirements

Please carefully review the physical expectations of this internship before applying.

CECO's programs are highly active and require interns to provide hands-on assistance throughout their shifts. This is an essential part of the internship experience.

Interns must be able to:

• Remain physically active for the majority of the workday
• Stand and walk for extended periods
• Frequently bend, kneel, squat, reach, and transition between standing and floor-level activities
• Assist participants with positioning, mobility, and transfers
• Repeatedly lift, support, push, pull, and/or assist with up to 50 pounds throughout the day
• Safely provide physical assistance to participants as directed by trained CECO staff
• Maintain the physical stamina necessary to perform these responsibilities consistently throughout their scheduled shift

Applicants who are unable to meet these physical requirements should carefully consider whether this internship is an appropriate fit.

Why Intern at CECO?

This internship provides an opportunity to build experience that goes beyond traditional observation or shadowing. Interns have the chance to:

• Accumulate meaningful direct participant/client experience
• Learn the principles and practical application of Conductive Education
• Work with individuals across a range of ages, abilities, and support needs
• Learn alongside professionals from educational and rehabilitation backgrounds
• Strengthen skills relevant to graduate and professional programs
• Develop confidence working directly with individuals with disabilities
• Build professional relationships and receive mentorship from experienced CECO team members

Interns who demonstrate strong performance may also receive fast-track consideration for future paid Program Assistant openings at CECO, based on organizational needs and position availability.

Location

On-site: Winter Park and Longwood, Florida

If you're looking for an internship where you can move beyond observation, work directly with participants, and gain practical experience in an active, interdisciplinary environment, we encourage you to apply.

Responsibilities

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Qualifications

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