Speech Works

SpeechWorks Toolkit

The SpeechWorks Toolkit consists of over 25 tools designed to promote (or restore) participation in life for people suffering from aphasia.

To put it simply aphasia is a language disorder characterized by difficulties in:

  • Understanding what people say
  • Reading
  • Speaking
  • Writing

Aphasia can be the result of a stroke or a head injury and it is different for everyone! Aphasia affects social, vocational, and emotional aspects of an individual’s life as well as that of their loved ones.

  1. Some people with aphasia have difficulty finding the right words.
  2. Some people with aphasia have difficulty understanding written words.
  3. Some people with aphasia are unable to write.
  4. Some people with aphasia might have vision problems or difficulties in movement.
However SpeechWorks has built a Toolkit to help everyone who has to deal with aphasia.

The Tools

The tools are broadly categorized into four main areas including:

  • Empowerment
  • Learn and Relearn
  • Support
  • Alternative Communication

All of the tools have been field tested and the kit has six main goals:

  1. To promote life participation.
  2. To maximize existing communication skills and use.
  3. To reveal what the person with aphasia knows, thinks, feels, and wants.
  4. To provide natural opportunities for daily communication practice.
  5. To provide client specific information for drill.
  6. To teach strategies to family members, friends, and health care people that if used will provide support which improves conversations with the person with aphasia.

Empowerment

Includes the following resources: Do you Have Aphasia?, Appointment Cards, Aphasia Card, The Internet, Goals, Selecting a Doctor, Visiting a Doctor, Important Decisions, Make your Own Calendar, Home Care, and Bank Letter.

Learn and Relearn

Includes the following resources: Clock, Day at a Glance, Week at a Glance, Grocery List, Family Tree, Make your Own Calendar, "Ah-huh, I get it", Express Yourself, and Tips for Reading and Writing.

Support

Includes the following resources: For Emergencies, Selecting a Doctor, Visiting your Doctor, Important Decisions, Who Called, Important Phone Numbers, A Helpful Message, Express Yourself, "Ah-huh, I get it", Day at a Glance, and Week at a Glance.

Alternative Communication

Includes the following resources: Alphabet Board, Number Board, Qwerty, Internet Freebies, "Draw a Picture for me", "Show me", Make your Own Calendar, and Day at a Glance.

An Example of the 'Week at a Glance' Resource

CLICK HERE
Remember: It takes a lot of courage to live with aphasia but as long as you keep living, loving and learning you will keep getting better!

For more information and ordering please contact Allison Baird at www.aphasiaworks.com.