Summer 1998

"Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile."

Albert Einstein
Center Celebrates Second Anniversary

by Roberta J. Elman, Ph.D.

It is hard to believe that the Aphasia Center of California (ACC) has just celebrated its second-year anniversary. And looking back over the last two years, we have so many things to celebrate! I am extremely proud of the ACC’s mission, our hard work, and our compassion. Everyday we are improving the lives of those with aphasia and their families--and our commitment and frugality has translated into the ACC providing more than 2,000 group visits to people from throughout the Bay Area in just this past year.

In addition to providing direct care to stroke survivors with aphasia in the Bay Area, we are also providing information and referral services to anyone who calls, writes, or e-mails us at the ACC. Our new website is allowing us to reach people from all over the world. In the last month, we have answered questions from people in Virginia, Texas, Michigan, and even Argentina and Germany. The ACC programs are quickly becoming a recognized model of quality treatment for aphasia. Since January, our speech-language pathologists have been invited speakers at professional conferences. In addition to these presentations, we have recently edited and contributed to a book on group communication treatment and have published several scientific papers about treatment at the ACC.

Also this year we fulfilled an important goal of adding reading and writing treatment groups. More than 20 individuals participated in our initial classes. The staff was challenged by the range of reading and writing problems, as some individuals needed to relearn how to write their names while others worked on writing checks or even starting to write a book about their life experiences. At times, the ACC looked like a one-room schoolhouse from yesteryear. All participants made impressive gains in their reading and writing skills through participation in this treatment and all let us know that they wanted to continue these classes in the fall. We have included an original poem by ACC participant Pat Springer in this newsletter issue (written during a reading and writing class) that provides you with her firsthand impressions of the Aphasia Center.

Tell others about Aphasia
Healthy and happy clients at the Aphasia Center
Education is a goal at the Aphasia Center

Aphasia classes are helping people everyday
Pep talks are happening at the Aphasia Center
Hail to the workers at the Aphasia Center
Aphasia is not contagious
Scout for new members at the Aphasia Center
Ideas form at the Aphasia Center
Anyone can help at the Aphasia Center

Communication is a goal at the Aphasia Center
Energy sources are working at the Aphasia Center
Nameless donations are sent to the Aphasia Center
Teachers are kind at the Aphasia Center
Each one is equal at the Aphasia Center
Rating our Aphasia Center--it’s No. 1!