People with aphasia haven’t lost their mental capacity. Unless they’ve had some sort of head trauma that caused more damage to their brain, their intelligence is left intact. That’s what can make aphasia all that more cruel. They can think, but they can’t let you know what they’re thinking. Remember that as frustrating as it is for you to try to figure out what an aphasic person is saying, it probably doesn’t come close to the frustration of the person with aphasia.

The National Aphasia Organization has a great tip sheet on how to communicate with people who are aphasic. Tips are very simple, but often if you aren’t told them, you may not think of them. Things like “eliminate background noise,” and encourage other modes of communication.

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Image: MorgueFile.com

Post from: Blisstree

June: Also National Aphasia Awareness Month

While he looks better (to me, anyway), he still has significant speech issues that make some people uncomfortable.

There’s an interesting discussion at Boomer Chronicles about whether or not he should have made the television appearance.

I must admit, I was uncomfortable when he first began speaking, but, then I realized I didn’t know why I felt that way, and, he quite frankly sounded a lot better than he did last year, and, seems to be improving, actually.

I thought he seemed on the ball (heh, I guess that was a pun), even though his countdown was slightly off. I chalked that up to his audio feed actually.

I was more annoyed by Ryan Seacrest’s constant use of the word “boss” so we would all know that Clark was still in charge.

It’s sad in a way that “America’s Teenager” had a stroke, but, perhaps he’s a good example for people with disabilities.

What do you think?

Post from: Blisstree

Should Dick Clark retire?