Topic: Black Web

I know if I'm interested in learning about a topic, I can use my interest to improve my skills as I recover from aphasia. 

 

CLICK TalkPath News on FBI: Ransomware Scams on the Rise. 

CLICK 60 Minutes on North Korea Cyber Attack on Sony

CLICK CSI: Cyber

"Learning is a life long process"

Vidtionary

Video + Dictionary

Videos Bring Language to Life

Instead of using language to define a concept, Vidtionary uses videos. Created for English learners, this video dictionary is equally useful for people with aphasia.

See Neurons High-Def

I talked about Discover article from September issues.  It is a new imaging technique to see the brain damage.

Create a Sentence with "DO" or "MAKE"

Click the list for Important Expressions with "Do" and "Make".

"English is Fun" on Facebook

Pinterest and Facebook are important pieces for my recovery.  This is the magic-- I am on Facebook everyday but don't see all the resources.  One day I am on Pinterest and was directed back to a great resource on Facebook.  I discovered a grammar resource.  It has fresh content everyday.  The grammar page is "English is Fun".  Social media is helpful when you find relevant information for people with aphasia.

Neuroplastic & Attention

I think it's helpful to know the four areas of attention: Focus, Sustained, Selective, and Alternating. My goal is to build longer sustained attention for my language and social situations.

ARC Ohio Retreat

I know living with aphasia can be confusing, frustrating and isolating. Aphasia Recovery Connection Retreats are an opportunity for people with aphasia to overcome these challenges and be inspired to re-connect with life.
 
Two Memorable Things in July 2015 at the ARC Ohio Retreat were supporting 1) ARC Members Presentations & 2) the "Neuroplastic Rehabilitation Principles" talk with
Bill Connors.


Bill Connors is my Speech Language Pathologist.  After my stroke in April 2011, I met Bill the following November. Working online with Bill was instrumental for my recovery.
 
Bill Connors founded Aphasia Toolbox and specializes in combining technology, neuroscience and learning theory with current evidence and research to advance the treatment of aphasia and related disorders.

June Favorites

My favorite app this month is from tactics therapy. It is called Tactus Question Therapy Toolkit.

   
It is helpful because I could practice solo. It is $34.99 (Great Value). If you are unsure, try the Question Therapy Lite (Free).

My health tip for the month is to get out in the sun for at least 15 minutes a day.  It is a great way to improve mental health. 

My favorite activity this month was speaking at an event St. Louis. The members of the ABC Brigade nonprofit are energetic, kind, and enthusiastic!  It was an enriching experience!  

Kathy Howard won an Outstanding Individual Award from the National Stroke Association. She founder ABC Brigade, an organization committed to raising awareness about stroke prevention and educating stroke survivors and their families that there is life after stroke. 

The organization holds an annual stroke fair with educational booths, health screenings and speakers. 

Learn more about ABC Brigade. Please “Like" the ABC Brigade on Facebook!

Microexpressions

Microexpressions occur when a person is consciously trying to conceal all signs of how he or she is feeling, or when a person does not consciously know how he or she is feeling. Unlike regular facial expressions, it is difficult almost impossible to hide microexpression reactions. Because we can't control microexpressions as it happens in a fraction of a second, but it is possible to capture someone's expressions with a high speed camera and replay them at much slower speeds.

Microexpressions express the six universal emotions: disgust, anger, fear, sadness, happiness, and surprise. Other emotions are amusement, contempt, embarrassment, anxiety, guilt, pride, relief, contentment, pleasure, and shame. They are very brief in duration, lasting only 1/25 to 1/15 of a second. As people with aphasia we need to be aware that others may take advantage of us So, it's important to trust your instincts and keep yourself safe.

Click the Guide Reading Microexpressions or watch Lie to Me, a TV Crime Dramas.

The TV show, Lie to Me, is loosely inspired by the career of psychologist Paul Ekman, this engaging crime drama focuses on the work of Dr. Cal Lightman, whose knowledge of human facial and behavioral cues lets him determine whether a person is telling the truth (3 seasons).  It's on Netflix.

Mixed Signals

I talk about "mixed signals." Sometimes, the sender has ambiguous communications. The receiver, the person with aphasia, sees the sender's face and tone but the words are unclear.

Labels

"Stroke with aphasia"

I discuss how labels can be "positive" or "hinder" progress.

You can read the captions if you want.

You're R-E-A-D-Y! But, what is your goal?

I hope you have been thinking about goals you want to accomplish this year!

Yeah! You’re ready! But what is your goal?

1. Think about the area you want to work on. Categories could include health, social, re-learning old skills, and learning new skills too!

2. Brainstorm your perfect accomplishment.

3. Create a list of steps to move forward.

Lots of times, I envision the perfect goal and then backtrack to think about the steps to accomplish it.

EXAMPLE: Suppose I want to meet an old friend for lunch. There are lots of considerations.

CHANGE IT UP!

This is the year to CHANGE IT UP!

What do you accomplish this year?

My goals in 2015 are:

1. Continue to grow our nonprofit

2. Start an awareness campaign for stroke and aphasia

3. Sharing tips for recovery and adapting to life with aphasia.

In the following weeks, I will share my progress.