Aphasia Luncheon to Recognize Local Advocates

WHAT: The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) School of Allied Health Sciences’ Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences and the Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic, will host the annual Stroke Aphasia Recovery (STAR) Program luncheon.

WHEN: 10 a.m. to noon, Tuesday (April 30)

WHERE: TTUHSC, Room 2B152

EVENT: David Kilgore, TTUHSC School of Medicine Patient Services, will receive the Aphasia-Friendly Award for transporting STAR patients to therapy each week. Shelby Crews, on behalf of United Supermarkets, will accept the Life Participation Award for hospitality and good service.

Stroke survivors and their families appreciate Kilgore’s friendliness and understanding that aphasia is a loss of communication, but not a loss of intelligence. Through pictures and simple signage, wheelchair-accessible entrances and aisles, and courteous, helpful employees, United allows stroke survivors to successfully complete household chores like grocery shopping.

Aphasia therapy at the TTUHSC Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic is typically provided in a small group conversational setting to reduce the effects of aphasia by maximizing speech and language abilities. STAR members meet once a week for an hour and discuss past and present life experiences, current events and common interests.

For more information about the luncheon or the STAR Program, contact Melinda Corwin, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, at (806) 743-5660 or melinda.corwin@ttuhsc.edu.

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