Sunday, September 27, 2009

Commitment evident at Aphasia Camp

Posted By CAROL STEEDMAN
Posted 15 days ago


My June 12, 2004, and June 12, 2006, columns were about aphasia, a condition shared by about 40,000 Ontarians.

Aphasia is a language impairment that results from a blockage or bleed in the blood flow on the left side of the brain. More commonly known as a stroke or aneurysm, this damage is a brain attack, in the same way a person can suffer a heart attack. Depending on the location and extent of injury, the loss of language affects each person differently. The ability to talk, read, write and comprehend conversation can be impaired. This doesn't mean that the person's intellect is affected. The person can think and knows what he wants to communicate, but must find an alternate way to express his thoughts.

My husband, Steve Goff, had a stroke 15 years ago in March, at the age of 48. It changed his life immensely. He was unable to read, write, speak, or move his right arm and leg. The physical impairment cleared quickly, but he remained unable to speak many words. He had speech therapy in Kingston, where he was living at the time. Now he speaks a few words, but mainly uses writing and gestures to communicate.

I happen to be able to read in reverse, as a mirror image, so Steve writes words in the air, and I'm usually able to catch his meaning. I'm sure it amuses or captivates people who happen to see us in a discussion in a store or restaurant. ....NEXT....

Monday, September 21, 2009

Australian Aphasia Ass.

AAA logo


What is Aphasia? (ay-faze-yuh)

Aphasia is a language difficulty caused by damage to the brain.

People with aphasia/dysphasia have difficulty with:


  • talking talking
  • listening listening
  • reading reading
  • writing writing
  • numbers numbers






  • Contact the Australian Aphasia Association Inc.

    We would love to hear your comments or questions.

    Contact us at:

    post

    PO Box 6104, St Lucia Qld 4067

    phone

    Phone: 0439 755 052

    email

    Email: questions@aphasia.org.au