Bob B. has lived with aphasia for more than 6 years. He is an active member of the CVAG. He has recently been following an action plan for educating people in the Chippewa Valley about aphasia. Bob brought a surprising contribution to our Kindle Collection. Here is Bob’s story:
Q- “What inspired you to develop an action plan for educating people about aphasia?”
Bob- “
The DVD, Inside Aphasia inspired me to talk to the community about aphasia. The DVD helped me to explain aphasia. They say a picture is worth a thousand words; well the DVD is worth a million.
Before I had aphasia I had no idea what aphasia was or any idea of how it would affect my family. The DVD, Inside Aphasia brought it together for me. I took each one of my girls (I have 5) and watched with them. I saw an intense interest in my daughter’s eyes which helped me to develop a plan. I shared with them that I was committed to sharing information about aphasia with the community service groups within the Chippewa Valley.
My plan involves sharing my story with the service groups and then sharing the DVD, Inside Aphasia with the entire group. Before the DVD I give out the NAA aphasia quiz. People are always interested in looking at the quiz. I leave time for questions and answers following the DVD. My goal is to talk to as many service groups as possible in the Chippewa Valley.
I’ve talked to five service organizations in the Chippewa Valley from the Lion’s Club to the Parish Council of Catholic Women. I’ve talked to over 200 people in the community so far. The intenseness that I experienced with my daughters was also shared by all who view the video, Inside Aphasia . I’ve noticed the same intensity when I show the DVD to service groups.
I’ve learned some important things along the way. I’ve learned that I still have CRD…Commitment, Responsibility for a task and Discipline to follow through on a project even if I CRS (Can’t Remember Stuff). I’ve learned that I can still get up in front of people despite the fact that I’m nervous. I’ve had to overcome stage fright more than a few times. I’ve learned that getting in contact with program coordinators is my biggest challenge. It takes time to set dates and arrange equipment.
I’ve learned other things about myself. I’ve learned that I am helping people to understand aphasia. At the same time I’m helping myself to get out of my comfort zone. I listen more than I talk. I am an optimist. I look for the good in everything. I look to make a difference. This helps me to keep going.
There was a positive result of my presentation with the PCCW. I presented my aphasia talk to the Parish Council of Catholic Women of Elk Mound, Wisconsin. There was a long discussion following the DVD. I answered many questions about aphasia. One woman asked about me participating in aphasia group. This seemed to be asked at many presentations. The president asked if there was anything her group could do to help. I talked with her about the Kindle 2 and that our aphasia group was raising funds for the Kindle 2. The next month I received a check to purchase a Kindle 2 for the group. I believe I made a difference with this group. The group was empathetic with me and my impairment. The group was willing to give a donation.”
Congratulations Bob – rather than turning away from a difficult situation, you’re facing it head on!