May is stroke awareness month. It's a great opportunity for learning and awareness. When a person experiences a stroke or a brain injury they face changes and challenges. They may not be able to verbally communicate as well. As a result, others may misinterpret their messages.
At UMD's Robert F. Pierce Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD), there's a support group for survivors of such neurological accidents. The group meets each week and is called Socialize. It offers friendship, acceptance and a safe place to use and perfect new communication techniques.
Recently, group members expressed frustration with how others perceive their speech and language skills. They wished that people understood they have strengths. They wanted others to know how they could support those who have had a stroke or brain injury. With these thoughts in mind, they developed a brochure, "All About Our Communication." They were assisted by two CSD graduate student interns, Anna Schmidt and Julia Tucker.
The brochure defines what aphasia and apraxia are. It is meant to be an educational tool that can be used to help and support people with different communication abilities.
About UMD's Robert F. Pierce Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic
Pictured are Nicole and Judy, two members of the Socialize group.