Hi Ian,
I think it is essential to get advice from the Speech and Language Therapist
working with your friend's mum, or request a referral if she has not yet had
an assessment. The therapist will be able to provide information about the
lady's difficulty with reading and her auditory comprehension. I would be
cautious about assuming that her auditory processing is unaffected as the TV
provides a lot of visual information that people with comprehension
difficulties can use to support their understanding. Further details about
her auditory comprehension will determine which strategies may support
reading.
Please contact me if it would be helpful to discuss this further.
Tracy Phillips
Speech and Language Therapist in AAC
Specialist Disability Service
Oxford Centre for Enablement
Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre
Windmill Road
Headington
Oxford
OX3 7LD
Tel: 01865 737445
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
-----Original Message-----
From: A discussion list for Assistive Technology professionals.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Ian F.
Sent: 30 October 2008 00:23
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Advice for person who's developed 'asphasia' after a stroke
A friend has contacted me for advice. Her (elderly) mum has had a stroke
which has left her with speech problems and difficulties processing print
information (though her eyesight isn't affected), as well as limited
dexterity in the right hand (she's normally right handed). My friend says
her mum used to enjoy reading newspapers and magazines but now just sits
watching TV. She asked if a scanning/reading pen might help her to start
reading again. As she is watching tv I'm assuming her ability to process
auditory information isn't impaired.
I've suggested she tries to borrow a scanning/reading pen first, because
they can be quite fiddly and her mum might find it hard enough to manipulate
and hold magazines with her left hand never mind also try to use a scanning
pen. I've suggested she explore talking newspapers and books, DAB radio and
even an accessible computer with email / web access via screenreader to help
her mum maintain contact with family and keep up with news. I've also
suggested she contact the Stroke Association, IT CAN Help and AbilityNet for
advice and to check her mum is receiving speech and language therapy.
Does anyone have any advice or suggestions for equipment or strategies I can
pass on?
Thanks
Ian Francis
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