STROKE AND COMMUNICATION

Stroke often affects the areas of the brain that control language. This causes a language problem called aphasia.

Aphasia affects communication. It can make it hard for a person to talk, understand words, read, write or use numbers.

“My biggest frustration today is knowing what I want to say and not being able to say it. I now need a script or notes to communicate. I can’t be spontaneous.” ~ A stroke survivor

The brain is divided into two parts called “hemispheres”: the right and the left. 

The right hemisphere of your brain controls the left side of your body. The left hemisphere of your brain controls the right side of your body.  Some functions are controlled by both. 

To learn more, visit the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada website.

APHASIA COMMUNICATION GROUP

Speech-language pathologist Marie Shuman leads a communication group every Friday. She is supported by volunteers, many of whom are pursuing a career in speech-language pathology.

Most sessions begin with a warm-up exercise. After that come one to two group activities. They vary each week. Some activities are focused on everyday tasks. Others are based on member requests and experiences.

Previous activities have included a conversation-based card game, show and tell, poetry, word-retrieval exercises, story sharing, board games and word-meaning activities.

Feedback and ideas are highly encouraged. This group is for YOU!

Each member is given communication supports and strategies. They are encouraged to talk as much as possible while they are in this very supportive environment. Any kind of communication is welcome!

Both one-on-one and group conversations take place. The group is a very positive environment for people with aphasia, volunteers and the speech-language pathologist running the session.

OUR STUDENT VOLUNTEERS

One of our important programs is called “CAMPUS: Communication and Aphasia Mentorship Program for Undergraduate Students.”

The VSRA provides mentorship volunteer opportunities in the Aphasia Communication Group to university students. They get skilled training time from our speech-language pathologist and the chance to interact more frequently and confidently with members who have aphasia.

The experience gives the students an education and experience they don’t get in class. This will greatly help them apply for grad schools and scholarships, followed by work as speech-language pathologists. In fact, most of them have gone on to be accepted into graduate programs in speech pathology and audiology all across Canada.

Our student volunteers often remark on how enriched their lives are through interacting with our members during the mentorship process. The stroke survivors with aphasia appreciate knowing that future professionals will understand that it is their communication – not their intelligence – that has been affected by the stroke.

Ms Schuman has increased the number of volunteers to the point where we now have one-to-one aphasia stroke survivors to student volunteers!