June is Aphasia Awareness Month
Aphasia is a condition that impairs your ability to communicate.
It can affect your ability to talk, read, write, and understand.
Aphasia is caused by a stroke or other damage to the language center of the brain.
Aphasia does not affect intelligence.
Aphasia can disrupt relationships and identity.
This can lead to social isolation and depression.
There are more people living with aphasia than Parkinson’s disease.
Most people don't know what aphasia is.
Most people don't know how to help people with aphasia.
That's why this is the Aphasia Issue.
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Aphasia-Friendly Writing
We can’t say enough about this amazing resource from the UK Stroke Organization:
Accessible Information Guidelines
Here is a short summary of this excellent, comprehensive document:
Create A Short, Simple Message 
Write the information down, and then edit:
- Cut out anything not needed
- Use simple words
- Put one message in each sentence
- Simplify the sentences (shorten, use active voice, use nouns instead of pronouns, e.g. “The doctor” instead of “she”.)
- Put the sentences in a logical order.
Create a Clean, Basic Layout
- Your written content should have lots of white-space
- Use illustrations that help to communicate the meaning.
- If you have lots of room to convey your message – put each short sentence in a box with a picture (hint: use a one-column table to create the boxes).
- Pictures should be adult-appropriate (i.e. not childish) and directly illustrate the sentence.
- Font should be 14 to 18 point and sans-serif, such as Arial or Verdana (Times New Roman is an example of a serif font – these are harder to read).
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Aphasia-Friendly Conversations
Adapted from resources provided by Eavan Sinden, SLP.
 Aphasia, a language disorder, is a common effect of stroke. It can have a huge impact on the stroke survivor and their quality of life, as well as their family and friends.
Aphasia is... “a communication impairment that impacts identity and relationships because of difficulties speaking, understanding, reading and writing.” (Kagan & Simmons-Mackie, 2013)
When you have a conversation with anyone, you strike a balance between interaction (the non-verbal communication) and transaction (the information/content).
People with Aphasia have difficulty with transaction, due to limited access to language. Interaction remains a strength. By acknowledging interaction as a strength, we are acknowledging the inherent competence of the person with aphasia.
The communication support you can provide (e.g. written keywords, aphasia-friendly resources) facilitates transaction, thus helping the person with aphasia to reveal their competence.
In conversation with a person with aphasia, it is important to recognize that both of you have responsibility for successful communication.
The communication partner should:
- Use natural adult talk appropriate to the context; use short sentences and everyday language.
- Be sensitive; make the person with aphasia feel comfortable; handle miscommunication respectfully.
- Ensure that the person with aphasia understands and has a means of responding -- use the Toolbox pictured above.
- Verify that you have received the intended message (e.g. “Let’s see if I understood what you meant”; write or use pictures if it helps).
The person with aphasia can:
- Use appropriate non-verbal skills (e.g. eye contact, body posture).
- Initiate communication.
- Exchange ideas and opinions.
- Use communication supports (e.g. writing, gestures, drawing, pointing).
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Sea to Sky Aphasia Camp -- September 20 to 22
 Register now!
The Sea to Sky Aphasia Camp is for people with aphasia and their family members.
The camp is from Friday Sept. 20 to Sunday Sept. 22.
At camp, you can connect with other people with aphasia.
There are recreational activities like:
- swimming
- horseback riding
- woodworking
- hiking
- music
- cooking
You can find more information and register by visiting the website.
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IARC 2020 is coming to British Columbia!
March of Dimes Canada, partnering with the School of Audiology and Speech Sciences at UBC, is proud to announce we are hosting the 19th International Aphasia Rehabilitation Conference at the UBC Vancouver Campus in June 2020.
The internationally-renowned conference is based on a tradition of excellence, bringing together both researchers and clinical specialists dedicated to aphasia rehabilitation. Spanning three days, the conference will be held from June 18 – 20, 2020. The conference will feature talks on a range of topics across the continuum of aphasia intervention, as well as poster presentations and other innovative presentation formats.
IARC will have some aphasia-friendly sessions.
On Sunday, June 21 2020, there will be a lower-cost, aphasia-friendly version of the conference delivered at Creekside Community Recreation Centre.
Mark your calendar!
IARC 2020 aims to host 300 delegates from around the world, as well showcasing British Columbia’s and Canada’s contributions to aphasia research.
Clinicians and researchers will be invited to submit research abstracts in late summer 2019.
You can also keep up to date with conference details as they happen by following @IARC2020 on Twitter and visiting the webpage www.iarc2020.com.
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One Step Closer to a Barrier Free Canada
Bill C-81, the Accessible Canada Act, has had its first reading in the House of Commons.
The Act will "enhance the full and equal participation of all persons, especially persons with disabilities, in society."
You can read more about this important legislation in this article from the Globe and Mail.
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Watch A Short Video About Communication
SRABC created a video about communication and language.
Communication is an important part of stroke recovery.
Watch the video to find out more.
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Improve Your Access to the Web
Using a computer can be hard.
You might have trouble typing.
You might have trouble moving a mouse.
You might have trouble reading a screen.
A free app can help.
It's called eSSENTIAL Accessibility
It has different tools to help you use a computer.
Download it here!
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Connections and Support are Available
Aphasia Recovery Connection (ARC) is a website.
ARC let's you connect with other people with Aphasia.
ARC also has resources and information.
ARC even has online karaoke. You can sing along with others.
Visit the ARC website to find out more.
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Community Workshops 2019
*Please note the change of date for the Holy Family summer meeting
Building Community Connections
Get to know the resources available to you and your family in your community. Hear from other survivors as they share their personal journeys. |
GF Strong Rehab Centre
Social Services Seminar Rm 189
3-5 pm - Tuesdays
April 9th, 2019
October 8th, 2019 |
Holy Family Hospital
Multipurpose Room
3-5pm - Thursdays
February 14thth, 2019
April 18th, 2019
July 25th, 2019
September 26th, 2019
October 31st, 2019
December 12th, 2019 |
For Questions and Registration
Call Gina at 604.734.1313 ext. 6280 or email gina.galway@vch.ca |
For Questions and Registration
Call 604.322.2622 |
Free Consultation with Expert Therapists
- Are you recovering from a stroke?
- Have you endured brain injury?
- Do you feel you have a physical, cognitive or neurological impairment?
If you answered YES to any of the above, then you're invited to a free consultation by expert Occupational Therapists, led by Amit Kumar. These free consultations are offered on the first Tuesday of every month. Caregivers are welcome to attend.
Where: Neurofunction Rehab 105-17660 65A Ave, Surrey, BC
When: First Tuesday of every month, 2pm – 4pm
Pre-booking is required.
Contact: Email or Phone: 604-574-1255 (clinic) | 778-384-4503 (cell)
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To make a donation, call us at 604-688-3603, email us or visit our website. Thank you for your support!
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