Winter 1998

"I find the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving."

Oliver Wendell Holmes

The Oakland Senior Center was filled to the rafters on June 12, 1997 with people wanting to learn more about aphasia and the Aphasia Center of California. More than 250 people attended the Aphasia Center’s first Open House during National Aphasia Awareness Week. This educational program was developed by Aphasia Center participants and staff to honor the Center’s first year as an independent, nonprofit organization. Those attending the Open House were rewarded with an action-packed program.

Aphasia Center President Roberta Elman, Ph.D. started off the "formal" program by welcoming the crowd and speaking about the Center’s first year before introducing talented actress and director Paoli Lacey. Lacey performed excerpts from an original dramatic work entitled "Faces of Aphasia," which was developed by individuals having aphasia in collaboration with Ms. Lacey as an Artist in Residence during Dr. Elman’s research grant. The dramatic and comedic vignettes performed by Ms. Lacey captured both the joys and frustrations of living life with aphasia.

Following Ms. Lacey’s performance, Aphasia Center speech-language pathologist Susan Ewing, M.A. interviewed three Aphasia Center participants about their real life experiences following stroke and aphasia. Don Welcome, Martin Aston, and Mary Jane Laufenberg shared their own stories about the challenges of living a full life with aphasia. They spoke about their current and future goals and provided inspiration to all in attendance. Many were moved to tears by their candor and courage.

Aphasia Center speech-language pathologist, Ellen Bernstein-Ellis, M.A. thanked the many people who helped make the Aphasia Center of California a reality, including the Board of Directors, Advisory Board, and the Aphasia Center participants and caregivers. Appreciation (and applause) was extended to all of the volunteers who gave both their time and energy to keep the Center moving forward.

In addition to the formal presentations and performances, the Open House provided other opportunities to learn about aphasia. A number of different activities were set up which allowed people to "experience" aphasia. One such activity simulated trouble understanding language, while another simulated the difficulty a person with aphasia might have expressing their basic wants and needs. Both activities helped participants begin to understand life with aphasia and how it impacts the majority of everyday experiences that many take for granted.

Rob Harper, the Aphasia Center’s art instructor from the Oakland Adult School, organized an exhibit of impressive artwork from the Center’s art class. A wonderful array of colors and shapes proved that having aphasia does not prevent individuals from expressing themselves, especially when given an outlet that is non-language based. What was particularly inspiring was that many of the artists had painted their works using their "other" hand. The artwork proved once again that with adequate support and opportunity people can find a way around the many challenges of living life with aphasia.

The Open House also provided an opportunity to see firsthand the research study results demonstrating the efficacy of the group communication treatment offered at the Center. Dr. Elman was available to answer any questions about the many aspects of the study.

Delicious snacks and beverages were donated by many individuals and businesses to assure that the Open House was both educational and enjoyable. Our sincere thanks to everyone who assisted us with this event. You helped us make our first Open House a rousing success!

Business Sponsors: Edible Complex, Glenview Florist, Greetings, Montclair Produce, Noah’s Bagels, Oakland Audio Visual, Peets Coffee, Piedmont Grocery, Safeway, Trader Joe’s, and Whole Earth Access.

Individual Sponsors: Vicki & Don Welcome, Enid Meyer & Sid Dommes, Dotty Turner, Bill Loughman, Linda Hubbard, Jenny Ogar, Kate Higgins, Judi Briano, Steve Montez, Betsy Corby, Roberta DeHoney, Jim Dodge, Iste & Bob Ingham, Lynnda & Doris Tabor, Pat Springer, and Brad Squires.