Speak Out February 2019

Branch News

Aphasia Victoria seminars

Victoria

APHASIA VICTORIA IS a not-for-profit advocacy group (www.aphasiavic.org.au) that works towards three key objectives; to promote awareness of aphasia, to share information about the best available evidence about aphasia in accessible ways, and to connect people living with aphasia, their family and friends. Aphasia Victoria is affiliated with the Stroke Association Victoria.

The professional committee of Aphasia Victoria, led by Dr Robyn O’Halloran and Dr Marcella Carragher, recognised a wonderful opportunity to realise all three objectives and invited Professor Nina Simmons-Mackie, from Southeastern University Louisiana, U.S.A to Melbourne to present in December. They were assisted by a student committee, with representatives from La Trobe University, Australian Catholic University, and University of Melbourne. Professor Simmons-Mackie presented two workshops. The morning session was directed towards speech

VIC 2340 members as at November 2018

Professor Nina Simmons-Mackie

pathology students and clinicians. Professor Simmons-Mackie presented the White Paper Aphasia in North America to a packed room. This white paper, which she wrote for Aphasia Access (www.AphasiaAccess.org,) documents the frequency, demographics and impact of aphasia in North America. It also describes current services, service gaps, the role of communication access, and recommendations. The afternoon session was for people living with aphasia, their families and friends, and gave an opportunity to hear information about the best available evidence on aphasia in communicatively accessible ways. A few months before the workshop, Aphasia Victoria asked members what specific questions they would like to ask, these were sent to Professor Simmons Mackie. There was also an opportunity during afternoon tea for people with aphasia to ask additional questions for Professor Simmons-Mackie. The student committee provided assistance to the participants where required and a wide range of topics were discussed in the afternoon, including neuroplasticity, primary progressive aphasia, different types of therapy, early commencement, duration and intensity of therapy, and communication support. Afternoon tea also provided an opportunity for everyone to share t heir experiences. Attendees were also sent a copy of Professor Simmons-Mackie’s aphasia friendly slides. Aphasia Victoria thanked Speech Pathology Australia’s Vic branch for their support in promoting the event, and Australian Catholic University for providing a wonderful venue. Special thanks to all the members of the student committee including Ashley Backovic and Chloe Smith (ACU), Julia Gorton and Emily Bevan (University of Melbourne), and Gina O’Connor, Annelise Cron and Shanalee Perera (La Trobe University) who developed flyers to promote both events, created the Eventbrite page, organised registrations and catering for morning and afternoon tea. They also ensured that the day ran smoothly. Finally, Aphasia Victoria recognises the contribution of Professor Nina Simmons-Mackie, who volunteered her time and expertise for this event. All proceeds went towards Aphasia Victoria to continue their work in 2019.

Ashley Backovic, Anni Cron, Julia Gorton, Marcella Carragher, Robyn O’Halloran

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February 2019 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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