Xpress Yourself Inside and Out!

Imagine a world where the focus is on the conversation instead of the communication device. Imagine a world where communication happens everywhere – at school, at home, at work and in social settings – naturally and without exception.   The DynaVox Xpress™ makes this world a reality.

The DynaVox Xpress is the world’s most powerful handheld augmentative communication device. Portable, discreet and easy-to-use, the DynaVox Xpress fits in a pocket or purse and delivers full communication capabilities previously available only in larger devices. With the Xpress, you can share meaningful messages, connect with friends and family and browse your favorite web sites with the optional browser – using a single handheld device.

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A poignant novel involving Primary Progressive Aphasia.

One review:

With a delicate and loving touch, Katharine Davis explores a deep and often complex relationship –the one between two sisters. Like the tapestry that becomes central to the story itself, A Slender Thread is a beautiful and utterly original creation . . . . Emotionally honest, meticulously observed, but also propulsively dramatic and readable, this is a novel that will resonate with women of all ages –and with everyone who loves a good story, well told. If you have sisters, you’ll want to share A Slender Thread with them. If you don’t, it will serve as solace –and a powerful testament –to what you are missing.”
–Liza Gyllenhall, author of Local Knowledge.

www.Amazon.com.

Two articles posted in Stroke Net newsletters under the title of Speak No Evil, written by Erin and JJ Robertson.

JJ had a stroke in February 2009. Erin is his wife and caregiver. JJ’s primary residual from the stroke is aphasia. In this column they share their stroke experiences.

Click on Aphasia Comes to Roost and Emotions and Stroke

The National Aphasia Association has links to Community Groups State by State.

Note: The Aphasia Community Groups listed below represent a wide variety of group types and structures. Some consist only of persons with aphasia and their significant others and some are more inclusive. Some are free and some are not. The listing below is alphabetical by state and city. Canadian resources are listed at the end.

Also note: See the end of this roster for the names and numbers of national organizations that may also be able to put you in touch with groups.

Click on National Aphasia Association Community Groups and search by State.

“The Lonely Patient” By Michael Stein is more than just a survival guide or owner’s manual for those who are ill or whose bodies are broken. Recognizing that only clinical recovery can nullify loneliness, the author reminds us that a temporary escape can still be found in memory, imagination, and hope. Physicians and especially patients will find that “The Lonely Patient” makes very good company. (A review by the Journal of the American Medical Association). To Order

The idea for Road ID was born out of a father’s concern for a marathon runner but could be very useful and important if someone with aphasia is somewhere without the benefit of a caregiver or friend, possibly hurt and unable to communicate. Read More . And Read More from an article in the StrokeNetwork newsletter.

An article in the StrokeNet newsletter “Fuel for the Journey” by Lin Mouat

Managing Your Energy

I used to be able to force myself to do more than my body allowed. In the past, I’ve often pushed to the point of feeling sick – something I wouldn’t recommend. I got away with overdoing for many years, until, over a period of time, physical ailments assailed me – each one depleting me more.

By the time I had bilateral strokes, I was already struggling with the affects of Fibromyalgia, and the strokes pretty much drained my energy.

A few of the things that can affect our energy are:
• Medications
• Physical difficulties
• Age
• Level of activity, which for many of us can be dictated by our physical and pain issues
• Lack of sleep. I think that sleep patterns is an individual thing.
• Attitude.

Click on StrokeNetwork to read more

“Just Trying To Take Care Of You” is an article by Lyn Mouat in her segment “Fuel for the Journey” for the StrokeNet Newsletter.

Depending on someone else for things I used to do myself is hard.
When we went on a cruise this spring, we ordered a scooter to help me get around. It included a wheel chair. At times, the chair was more convenient than the scooter. I found being in that chair extremely frustrating and humbling.

I wanted to control everything while in that chair. The truth is, I really had no control at all and needed to trust Gary to wheel me around safely.

Being my full time caregiver, Gary Read On

 The Speech language Department (Health Division) – Government of Malta- Public Health Service is currently organizing the website located at:  Malta Speech Language Department

Their mission is to identify communication difficulties and to design, implement and evaluate programs for intervention which maximizes the communication abilities of their clients.

Their role includes both the care of the individual and the education of the community. We offer guidance, diagnostic assessments, intervention, support and information for both clients and their careers. We recommend and encourage changes which could result in more effective intervention for our clients.

Review by Lance Armstrong: “Jerry White brings his insight and experience to bear expertly for those facing life’s unexpected challenges.  He embodies the spirit of survivorship.”

From Amazon.