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Aphasia occurs as a result ofa brain iniury such as a stroke or tumour, and affects an individual's ability to speak or understand speech. In “People don't know what it's like to have aphasia. You know what you want to say. but your mouth won't help you." The idea of losing the ability to share your thoughts and feelings with others, even though your intellect remains unimpaired, is unthinkable to most of us "That made me decide I was going to speak." said Dorothy. a cheerful and determined woman who came to Canada as a war bride in l945. "I thought to myself, I went through World War 2. I can get through this." Today Dorothy is a regular at the York-Durham Aphasia Centre and an inspiration to everyone she meets. JUNE 2003 When Dorothy Barton first had a stroke and found herself unable to communicate. she heard a doctor remark that she would never be able to speak again. Local centre marks Aphasia Awareness Month By Kate Gilderdale Stoufiville This Monti; hsr IRON FIBEPIT/BBQ 0119/ 6 available? I “Down UNDER”A most cases it also affects the ability to read and write and its effects can range from mild to profound. Although it is more common than multiple sclerosis. Parkinson's disease or cerebral palsy. many York-Durham Aphasia Centre volunteer Marg Curtis looks through Ella Pellet's beautiful life history book while Dorothy Barton and her son, Mike, look on. Every Thursday, the centre, located at Parkview Village, offers a full day of programs for people with aphasia, a condition that usually occurs after a stroke, head injury or brain illness and results in communication difficulties. 15 Hwy. 48 (betweg its a 0’x10’ shelteonr uare round) himineai. ” own UNDER” k4,: arrived. - . UV Market U “We are 50 m WWW.S Parkview Village in Stouffville is home to the Aphasia Centre. one of the finest facilities in North America. which is run by professional speech- language therapists and people are not aware the condition exists. social workers. together with more than 70 trained volunteers. Using groupâ€" based communication programs. they help clients gain greater independence. allowing them to restore some control over their daily in ever to st MOSQUITO ., NETTING z Rd.) 905-642-1067 Client Ella Pellet proudly shows off her life history book. "When she first came. you never saw a smile," recalled volunteer Marg Curtis. "You just sat here with you head down." she said, turning to Ella. "You've come a long way." "I had a stroke," explained Ella. who worked at the IGA in downtown Stouffville for many years Last month she started using the computer and she is also involved in the art program at the centre. Support from the family members makes an incredible difference, said "We do art. we have group meetings so we can all get together. and we do exercises," said Dorothy. One particularly effective method of establishing communication is the life history book that clients put together with the help of staff and volunteers. Each book is a personal history of the individual's life. and often includes photographs, newspaper clippings and information about background and family lives. The centre also provides support for families learning about aphasia. "WHITCHURCH-STOUFFVILLE THIS MONTH" â€" 13 There is no medical cure for aphasia, but speech therapy is an effective means of treating it. However recovery can be a slow process and people often become frustrated. isolated and depressed at their inability to connect with others. New volunteers always welcome. For information, 905â€"642- "It's fun. it's interesting and I have met some truly amazing people from all walks of life," said volunteer Anne Treeby. who has worked at the centre for four years. "These people have given to the community in the past and now we need to give to them. I've learned so much about the human spirit from working with them, they are so resilient." Marg, a point heartily endorsed by Dorothy whose son, Mike, has taken care of his m'other ever since shev‘had her stroke. The atmosphere at the centre is relaxed, with laughter echoing around the room and a sense of camaraderie between clients, volunteers and caregivers. 2053 are more