A World of Self-Xpression in Your Hands!

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 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

Click on www.dynavoxtech.com for more information.

This knife is made by The Wright Stuff. To see and order, click on Solid Handle Rocking Knife

The National Stroke Association put together a power point presentation on Stroke. Click on Power Point .

The SmallTalk mobile accessory from Lingraphica that allows you to take
favorite icons, phrases, and videos with you anywhere. Incredibly portable and light, it fits easily into a pocket or purse. The SmallTalk is the result of a year-long intensive design project on the part of our developers; the goal … to take the key capabilities of the Lingraphica and compress them into a convenient handheld device that gives you a voice when you need it most, on the go. Read More and for an article posted in Advanced Magazine Click Here .

Harvey Alter who has aphasia resulting from a Stroke speaks at the 2008 Music Has Power Awards. Harvey Alter is the President and Founder of the International Aphasia Movement. Click on this link to hear a powerful message Music Therapy .

Lingraphica Introduces the SmallTalk Mobile Accessory for Aphasia

NEWS RELEASE:

(Princeton, New Jersey) Lingraphica, maker of the Lingraphica speech-generating device for aphasia, announces the release of the SmallTalk mobile accessory. Incredibly portable and light, it fits easily into a pocket or purse for communication and practice on the go. Users can take along a selection of phrases, icons, and videos to have with them at all times. Together, the Lingraphica speech-generating device and the SmallTalk provide a comprehensive system for aphasia communication and recovery.

The SmallTalk is ideal for use in everyday situations such as restaurants, doctor’s appointments, phone conversations, or emergencies. Users can also cue themselves to speak by putting on earphones and playing phrases so that only they can hear them.

The result of a yearlong intensive design project by Lingraphica’s developers and programmers, the SmallTalk fulfills the company’s goal to take the key capabilities of the Lingraphica and compress them into a convenient handheld device. It is built on the Apple iPod touch, but can be ordered directly from the company as an accessory to the Lingraphica. For those who already have an iPod touch, a demo set of icons and videos can be downloaded from the Apple App Store for free by selecting SmallTalk for Aphasia. Users will need to have a Lingraphica to take full advantage of the SmallTalk’s capabilities and create a personalized version of the SmallTalk.

“The release of the SmallTalk takes us to the next level in our comprehensive approach to aphasia,” says Lingraphica CEO Andrew Gomory. “Adding the benefits of portability to the unlimited communication and practice opportunities that the Lingraphica offers is an important part of our ongoing mission to improve the lives of our users. We’re proud to be able to present it.” Learn more by clicking on Small Talk or Contact Lingraphica 509-683-7174.

Imagine moving beyond simple phrases to expressing novel thoughts and ideas – that’s the kind of real independent communication that’s possible with AAC devices from PRC. Every PRC device features Unity (trademark) the unique vocabulary program that lets a user start simply, advance steadily, and communicate fully, without ever having to learn another language system. Unity is the language for a lifetime of AAC success – and it’s only available from PRC. To learn more about PRC go to www.prentrom.com . Because Communication Is the Essence of Life

Families, clinicians, and special educators select PRC augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices as part of a communication strategy to assist a wide range of individuals with communication disabilities. For over forty years, PRC has led the industry by providing the highest level of communication technology and language development systems in the field.

Tennis is an ideal sport for stroke survivors. It’s great exercise. It promotes socialization. It doesn’t cost much. And, it is an integrated sport; wheelchair-users can play alongside or against able-bodied players.

There are many health benefits to playing tennis. The sport provides a good cardiovascular workout. It can strengthen muscles. And tennis can help improve balance and coordination.

Wheelchair tennis requires minimal equipment – a racquet, tennis balls and your wheelchair. You can play the sport in a manual or power wheelchair. For recreational purposes, a standard wheelchair is adequate. If you are unable to grasp the racquet with your dominant hand your can wrap athletic tape or an Ace Bandage around the racquet to secure it to you. Special orthopedic racquet holders and grasping gloves are available if more support is needed. Buy in most cases, homemade devices will do the trick. Experiment with materials on hand before investing in adaptive equipment. If you have problems with balance, use waist knee or chest straps to secure yourself in your wheelchair.

The rules for wheelchair tennis are slightly modified the main difference is that wheelchair-users are allowed to let the ball bounce twice before hitting it. Standard rules allow players only one bounce, even when they are playing with a wheelchair-user.

So how do you begin? First, find a friend to play with. Next find a court. The U.S. Tennis Association website includes a handy tennis court search section. Once you’ve found courts near you ask about wheelchair-access.

Consider scheduling your first practice session for a weekday, when there will be fewer players on the court. Once you get comfortable with hitting the ball, you might want to take lessons. Many colleges, recreation districts, YMCAs, adaptive sport associations and national tennis associations offer wheelchair tennis programs. Some integrate wheelchair tennis programs. Some integrate wheelchair-users into their standard programs. You also can search for adaptive tennis programs online at the National Center on Physical Activity and Disability (click on programs).

If you prefer a self-study approach, the United States Professional Tennis Association offers video lessons on wheelchair tennis basics just go to the website listed below and click on “lessons online” link under the education tab. The International Tennis Federation offers a free informational CD about wheelchair tennis (“So What’s Stopping You?”); you can order it on the organization’s website.

So go ahead give it a try. Tennis really is the perfect sport for just about everyone.

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RESOURCE LINKS:

National Center on Physical Activity and Disability

U.S. Tennis Association

U.S. Professional Tennis Association

International Tennis Federation

A bleak prognosis at the time of the stroke doesn’t mean you should give up hope on your loved one. Instead, chart a successful recovery by setting “Stroke Smart” goals. SMART is an acronym for the five characteristics of well-designed goals. By using the SMART tool you and your loved one will develop goals that will move you forward, sustain your motivation and guide your decisions.

SMART:
Specific – Goals that are clear and precise are easier to follow and track. Example: “Do a better job at leg exercise” is not specific. “Walk around the block” is.

Measurable – If your goals are not measureable you won’t know whether you are making progress towards completing them. It’s also hard to stay motivated when you have no milestones to show that you have progressed. Example: “Walk around the block three times a week.”

Attainable – Goals must be realistic. This does not mean easy; the best goals require constraints in abilities, money and time. Be realistic about what you can accomplish. Example: “Walk around the block three times a week with my cane for support.”

Relevant – Goals must be meaningful, otherwise there will be no motivation to achieve them. Don’t create goals to please other people; instead, identify what will give you the most satisfaction. What do you miss being able to do? Example: “Walk around the block three times a week with my cane for support so that I can build the strength and confidence to get out and see my friends and run my own errands.”

Time-bound – Without a time limit, there’s no urgency to start taking action now. Goals must have starting and end points, as well as a fixed time period. Example” “For the next three months walk around the block three times a week with my cane for support so that I can build the strength and confidence to get out and see my friends and run my own errands.”

Make sure you write down your goals so you can track your progress. Some people like to post their goals in a visible place such as on the refrigerator.

As a caregiver you may tend to focus all your time and energy on your loved one. But it is important that you create your own goals as well. Also, you have to factor your needs and limitations into what your loved one can accomplish. Don’t dismiss your needs. And don’t try to do it all.

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Exercising in water provides many benefits for stroke survivors regardless of their level of ability.

Some exercises and movements are easier and safer in water than on dry land. Aquatic exercise is low impact, less stressful on joints and involves a lower risk of falling. And a fall in water is less likely to cause injury. Yet water provides resistance that enables people to build strength by performing simple movements.

“I have some patients with very little movement who stay in their wheelchair the entire time,” said JoAnn King, a physical therapist who does aquatic therapy with stroke survivors at Good Samaritan Hospital in Baltimore. “We work on sitting and balance. Out of water they may have no movement. But the buoyancy of the water enables them to move a little. It can be a real emotional boost for patients once they see that they have the ability to move.”

Exercising in water is effective in improving balance and gait, and increasing strength, endurance, flexibility, range of motion and cardiovascular fitness. Exercising in warm water also can ease chronic pain and reduce swelling in the feet and ankles.

Patients with more abilities may be able to participate in a group exercise program.

A University of British Columbia study found that stroke survivors enrolled in an eight-week, water-based exercise program showed a 22 percent improvement in cardiovascular fitness. They also improved walking speed and lower-body strength.

“I’ve seen improvements in strength, endurance and flexibility after just one class,” said Lisa Newport, a certified aquatic therapist who teaches a class for stroke survivors at the Drake Center in Cincinnati.

Newport’s students must be able to stand in chest-deep water, but some require a wheel chair on dry land. About half her class did some water-based physical therapy shortly after stroke, and then progressed to her class to continue their rehabilitation.

“We push flotation devices through the water to build strength, do a lot of range-of-motion exercises for our shoulders and we shoot a lot of baskets,” Newport said. “I’ll hold their good arm to force them to use the side that’s been affected by the stroke.”

Both Newport and King said increased confidence is a major benefit to water-based rehab programs.

So if you’re looking for way to get moving, get in the water.

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