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April 5–15, 2027 | Mondays & Thursdays Only | Times TBA
ONLINE DELIVERY
Is This Program for You?
The AMI Montessori for Dementia, Disability & Ageing 12-Hour Introductory Workshop explores the application of Montessori principles to support adults and older people living with dementia or disability. Emphasis is placed on dignity, choice, remaining abilities, meaningful participation, and the preparation of both the adult and the environment.
This program is designed for those who believe ageing and disability should be met with dignity, respect, and meaningful engagement. Rooted in the principles of Dr. Maria Montessori, the approach supports older adults and individuals living with dementia or disability through intentionally prepared environments filled with cues, memory supports, and purposeful roles.
At its heart, the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) program seeks to enable individuals to care for themselves, others, and their community — fostering independence, connection, and purpose at every stage of life.
During this 12-hour workshop, you will:
- Explain the foundations of Montessori as applied to dementia, disability and ageing
- Recognize the person beyond the diagnosis, including strengths, preferences, life history and remaining abilities
- Describe how observation, communication and the prepared adult influence quality of life
- Identify ways to prepare physical and social environments for independence, orientation and belonging
- Explore meaningful activities, roles and opportunities for choice in everyday life
- Reflect on practical next steps for person-centred Montessori practice
Who should attend: family caregivers, healthcare and allied-health professionals, care teams, community practitioners, and Montessori professionals. No prior Montessori experience is required.
This workshop is an introduction, not a practitioner certification. Participation is distinct from AMI MDDA Practitioner Certification; any certificate of participation, attendance threshold and progression requirements follow current AMI-approved conditions.
Programme and Time Allocation
| Module | Hours | Content |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Foundations and a change of perspective | 1.5 | Welcome; AMI and MDDA; Montessori philosophy across the lifespan; dignity, human tendencies, person before diagnosis. |
| 2. Understanding the person | 2 | Dementia, disability and ageing; strengths and retained abilities; life history, identity, preferences; behavior as communication; observation. |
| 3. The prepared adult and relationships | 2 | Presence, respect and communication; offering choice; doing with rather than for; validation; independence and psychological safety. |
| 4. The prepared environment | 2 | Physical and social environments; accessibility, order, orientation, cues and signage; removing barriers; meaningful community roles. |
| 5. Purposeful activity and participation | 2.5 | Interests and roles; activity analysis and adaptation; sequencing, control of error and repetition; practical examples and small-group application. |
| 6. Integration and reflection | 2 | Case-based discussion; observation–propose–adapt cycle; application in home, day and residential settings; personal action plan and closing reflection. |
| Total instructional time | 12 |
Delivery and learning methods: live, interactive instruction; guided reflection; discussion of practice examples; demonstrations; case-based exercises and individual action planning.
This AMI program seeks to enable individuals to care for themselves, others, and their community — fostering independence, connection, and purpose at every stage of life
Schedule:
(Online Format)
Four (4) Synchronous Sessions delivered 100% online.
Mondays & Thursdays, 3 instructional hours per session
Online
April 5, 2027
Time TBA
Online on Zoom
Focus: Foundations; Understanding the person
Online
April 8, 2027
Time TBA
Online on Zoom
Focus: Understanding the person; Prepared adult and relationships; Prepared environment
Online
April 12, 2027
Time TBA
Online on Zoom
Focus: Prepared environment; Purposeful activity and participation
Online
April 15, 2027
Time TBA
Online on Zoom
Focus: Purposeful activity and participation; Integration and reflection
Total amount of hours: 12
These hours consist of live, interactive instruction, guided reflection, discussion of practice examples, demonstrations, case-based exercises and individual action planning. Breaks, if any, are additional.