iHOPE is a series of Web presentations and “Ask the Experts” Q&A sessions led by topic experts who will give you information and resources to help with specific issues related to stroke recovery. It is designed to provide an individual experience, allowing you to learn at your own pace and access information about stroke information specific to your personal needs.

 Join topic expert Mary Pinzon, RN, CPE, MEd, for Preventing Another Stroke and learn more about:

• What is a stroke?
• Types of stroke
• Warning signs of stroke
• Stroke risk factors and tips for managing them
•  Medication assistance programs

 Mary Pinzon, RN, CPE, MEd, is the Stroke Education Nurse for INTEGRIS James R. Daniel Stroke Center of Oklahoma at Southwest Medical Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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It’s time for the next National Aphasia Association Regional Speaking Out! Conference!

You are invited to join the National Aphasia Association and the Oklahoma Speech-Language-Hearing Association September 30th, 2010 in Tulsa, OK for another one-day conference specifically for you. Whether you are a person living successfully with aphasia or caring co-survivor, we encourage you to join us for what will be a successful and enjoyable conference.

For more information about the conference, please click here to view our brochure. If you would like to go ahead and register online, please click the “Register Now!” link below.

Register Now!

If you have any questions or concerns, contact Amy Coble at The National Aphasia Association
naa@aphasia.org or call (800) 922-4622.

Easier to Use and More Flexible, Lingraphica 7 Provides One-Click Icon Search and Fast Message Creation Princeton, New Jersey (June 30, 2010). Lingraphica, maker of the Lingraphica speech-generating device for aphasia, announces the release of its even more user-friendly Lingraphica 7, crafted by designers in response to feedback from both speech-language pathologists and Lingraphica users.

New One-Click Navigation mode allows users to navigate through the icon vocabulary with one simple click of a mouse, which makes finding icons and creating messages fast and intuitive.

The smart spell help enables the Lingraphica to suggest corrections for words that are misspelled, taking the worry out of spelling.

A new Icon Editor allows users, caregivers, and health-care professionals to customize their own icon vocabularies by easily creating new icons and changing existing ones.

Additional grammar, math, reading, and memory exercises have been added to the hundreds already included on the Lingraphica, making it easier for users to work independently to improve their language skills.

The mouth-position practice videos have been expanded to include blends, additional words with targeted phonemes, and phrases associated with dysphagia. The 700-plus videos make it easier for adults with apraxia to practice speech production.

Videos of standard oral-motor exercises illustrate cheek, tongue, palate, lip, and jaw movements that help strengthen the oral musculature, providing easy, focused practice and rehabilitation.

All new Lingraphicas will be shipped with the new version. Existing customers who have owned the Lingraphica for a year or less are entitled to a free update. Those who have owned a Lingraphica for longer will need to pay a small fee. Existing customers are encouraged to contact Lingraphica to order the update.

“We know that even with all the new features, each patient has his or her own way of using the Lingraphica. That’s why we remain committed to configuring each device before it goes out the door to mesh perfectly with a particular user’s needs,” explains Lingraphica’s CEO Andrew Gomory. “We have created the device that patients and their speech-language pathologists told us they wanted. And we’re dedicated to making the Lingraphica a great experience for every single user.”

Lingraphica-The Aphasia Company™ is the leading provider of speech-generating devices for people whose ability to speak or understand words has been impaired by a stroke or brain injury. With the Lingraphica they can communicate with picture icons that speak words and phrases in a natural human voice, or they can practice speech using videos and language exercises. The Lingraphica is Medicare reimbursable. It is available for a no-obligation trial. Lingraphica also offers the SmallTalk Aphasia, Dysphagia, and Oral Motor Exercises apps on Apple’s App Store. For more information call 888-APHASIA (888-274-2742) or visit www.lingraphica.com.

Aphasia Camp through Stroke Recovery Canada®, a program of March of Dimes Canada, was created to help stroke survivors and their family members regain their independence. Aphasia Camp will take place at Tim Horton’s Onondaga Farms in St George Brant Ontario, Canada and is scheduled from September 17th to 19th. Complete the Camp Application . To get a brochure or for more information contact lklaponski@marchofdimes.ca .

A relaxing weekend retreat in a rustic setting for people with aphasia.

September 10 – 12, 2010 YMCA Camp Manitou, New Auburn, Wisconsin

Experience archery, art, boating, canoeing, fishing, golfing, photography, Tai Chi, woodworking, yoga and More!
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For more information contact Mary Beth Clark, Rehabilitation Services
715-838-1725 or clark.marybeth1@mayo.edu .

What is Stroke Camp Northwest all about?
Each year in late August, 40 stroke survivors with aphasia (a condition that results in speech and comprehension challenges) and their families spend one weekend hiking, fishing, crafting and more all the while enjoying the support of licensed speech, occupational and physical therapists as well as trained volunteers to better express themselves. For some stroke survivors with aphasia and their families, Stroke Camp Northwest is a place to reacquaint themselves with activities they enjoyed before their stroke, or to find ways to adapt activities so they can enjoy them again. Loved ones are encouraged to attend and are welcome to join professional counselors in discussing support techniques for their family members and themselves.

The dates for the Stroke Camp 2010 are Friday, August 20 to Sunday, August 22.

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Author: Candy Kugel and Buzzco Associates

A new DVD was created by Candy Kugel and Buzzco Associates, Inc. in conjunction with the NAA and aphasia centers in West Texas, California, Canada and singer/composer, Marc Black.

Award –winning actress Allison Janney provides the superb narration. It is a
must have resource for people with aphasia, their loved ones, health
professionals and health related facilities. Treat yourself to a preview by Clicking HERE .

This annual symposium series for stroke survivors, families and caregivers is designed to promote stroke recovery and improve quality of life through the provision of information and resources. Traditionally, Hope After Stroke has been a series of in-person meetings. During 2009 and in an effort to reach a broader audience, National Stroke Association is designing more web-based educational opportunities for stroke survivors and caregivers. The Hope After Stroke Series is being crafted into a virtual experience to allow greater and easier attendance. If you wish to receive information when programming becomes available, e-mail info@stroke.org

The International Stroke Conference is scheduled for February 9-11, 2011 in Los Angeles California, Texas. Read More .

Our mission is to provide a weekend camping experience for stroke survivors and caregivers. The retreat includes education, socialization, relaxation, great food, emotional support, and fun for all. It is an opportunity for everyone to relax and get rejuvinated.

We strive to continue to find new ways to educate our participants on such topics as speech and language resources, handicapped recreational equipment, diabetes, physical therapy, depression, nutrition, new stroke treatments, and more.

This camp which is not just about the survivor. Equally important was providing a much-needed respite for the caregivers.

Click on this link for upcoming camp dates: Stroke Camp.