ACQ Vol 10 No 1 2008

U pdate on the A ustralian A phasia A ssociation

Georgi Laney (National Chairperson) and Matthew Bradley (National Deputy Chairperson)

T he Australian Aphasia Association Incorporated (AAA) was founded in 2000 by Professor Linda Worrall of the University of Queensland in collaboration with people with aphasia and family members (Linda’s contribution has since been recognised through her appointment as the inaugural life member of the AAA). The AAA was formed in response to limited support offered to people with aphasia and the recognition that significant achievements could be made by working collectively. It took some time before the AAA had a significant presence outside of Brisbane where its foundations lay. Indeed the logistics of consolidating an incorporated national entity (with respect to legal, financial and logistical considerations) is proving to be extremely challenging and time-consuming. Nevertheless, the AAA has made an invaluable contribution to the aphasia community and plans to continue to do so. This commitment is im­ pressive because AAA has very limited financial resources (it receives no government funding and few donations) and the association’s activities are undertaken by a relatively small number of volunteers. Each year has witnessed an increase in membership numbers. As of 31 October 2007, the AAA has 320 members with members concentrated in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. We have also seen a steady increase in the number of hits to our website and enquiries, via our email and phone service. In addition to producing The Australian Aphasia Guide , which you can read about in this issue of ACQ , the AAA has been involved in numerous other activities aimed at supporting people with aphasia and their families. Significant have been the AAA national conferences. There have now been a total of six national conferences which have grown from strength to strength. The conferences are held every two years – the next one, titled Not Just A Phase Ya Go Through. Let’s Talk about Aphasia! , will be held in Brisbane on 29–30 September 2008. The conference will be held immediately prior to the Aphasiology Symposium of Australia, also to be held in Brisbane –an example of the Australian aphasia community working together. Significant too has been the development of an aphasia logo. Many within the aphasia community lament the lack of public awareness of the condition. The development of a colourful, simple logo allows the branding of aphasia in this fast-paced age where easily identifying a “product” is so important. The logo will form the basis of our advertising, public awareness and merchandising campaigns. The Aphasia Link (the newsletter of the AAA) continues to be a forum for updating the aphasia community and is instrumental in fostering an “informed community”. It is only when a community is informed that it can truly influence and affect change. Increasing numbers of contributions are coming

from a variety of people with aphasia who are sharing their experience and knowledge. The AAA in collaboration with the Talkback Association For Aphasia Inc. (based in South Australia) has voted to establish an Australian Aphasia Awareness Day (“Wednesday Without Words”). It will be held on the first Wednesday of September each year, to be launched 3 September 2008. It will provide an opportunity to highlight aphasia and improve community awareness. The AAA is striving to address the continuing challenges which confront it. Of importance is ensuring that the associ­

ation meets the needs, and is inclusive, of people with aphasia (of all severity). This has proven difficult particularly at a national level where the complexities of legal, financial and logistical issues dominate discussion. We are seeing people with aphasia now becoming involved more locally. They are well represented on the 2008 National Conference Organising Committee and on the Victorian Branch of the AAA. The AAA is

in the process of establishing an expert reference panel (of people with aphasia). This group will be consulted for their opinion on matters which will affect people with aphasia.

Georgi Laney is the National Chairperson of the AAA and Matthew Bradley is the National Deputy Chair­ person. Despite the challenges it faces, the AAA is determined to continue to support people with aphasia and their families by building on the achievements already made. If you would like to learn more about the AAA or if you are interested in becoming involved please contact us (contact details on our website www.aphasia.org.au). Another challenge is how the AAA can best work with other relevant organisations (such as the various state stroke associations, the Talkback Association) to maximise our effectiveness. This is not easy given our limited resources (both fiscal and human resources) but is necessary if the association is to make a significant contribution in supporting the Australian aphasia community.

Visit www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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