Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Aphasia Research

While browsing through the list of program sessions at the upcoming
ASHA conference being held in a couple of weeks in Atlanta, I noticed quite a number of sessions on aphasia. I guess that's not really surprising considering that approximately 1 million people in the US today suffer from aphasia and it's estimated that 25% of SLP's regularly treat patients with aphasia. As you probably know, aphasia is mostly the result of brain damage and stroke,and affects language in a number of ways including the production and comprehension of speech, as well as the ability to read or write. Treatment for aphasia is very much based on the individual patient, as there is a great variety in severity and can affect only certain aspects of language, although usually, multiple aspects of communication are impaired.



One interesting option for SLPs is the development of mentoring
programs to improve social language for patients who suffer from this disorder. If you're interested in learning more you may want to check out the following links. The first short article published in the "ASHA Leader" highlights the benefits of mentoring programs where patients are teamed up to provide encouragement and practice for each other. The second article is a research study from the journal "Stroke" discussing the outcome improvements that result from these kind of programs.




Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Have you thought about joining national NSSLHA?

Check out the link below for more information on why joining national NSSLHA can be a real advantage to you as a Speech Pathology & Audiology student:

http://www.nsslha.org/join/memberbenefits.htm


Thursday, October 18, 2012

Telepractice?

Speechies!
If you're like me and think that technology is taking over our society, then check out this article link from the ASHA Leader. It talks a bit about how video therapy/telepractice is starting to make an appearance in our field. Interesting to think about!

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http://www.asha.org/Publications/leader/2012/121009/Why-CareFirst-Champions-Telepractice.htm

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Updated NSSLHA Incentives Program!

NSSLHA has decided to update and change our current incentives policy for attendance.... and we wanted you to know. :)

Essentially, instead of awarding 2 certificates per year or 1 per semester, we will now be awarding one certificate for the entire year. See below for the details.



NSSLHA INCENTIVES PROGRAM

Active Membership:
An individual qualifies as an active member by attending:
  • 3 events per semester (1  service learning; 1 educational; 1 fun/social)
  • For a total of: 6 events per year (2 service learning; 2 educational; 2 fun/social)


Certificates
Certificates of Active Membership will be distributed at the end of the year. A small token of appreciation will also be distributed with the certificate at the ceremony.

These certificates will substantiate any claims made on your resume about NSSLHA involvement.


Annual Raffle:
At the certificate ceremony, raffle prizes will be given to active members.
  • 3 winners will be chosen.
  • Your name at an event = 1 ticket in the drawing.
  • You cannot win more than 1 prize. If your name is drawn twice, it will be counted only once and another ticket will be drawn.

Prizes:
$20 gift card to Starbucks/Panera
$15 gift card to Starbucks/Panera
$10 gift card to Starbucks/Panera


     





Leave a comment on where YOU think the gift card should be from!

Monday, October 15, 2012

Once in a blue moon you run across a gem. And the Amelia Bedilia books are a treasure. These books are chock full of common idioms that make talking through double meanings simple. They are not only a great therapy tool, but also a fun and engaging read. You won't be able to stop laughing. The greatest part - they don't cost an arm and a leg. While sometimes a needle in the haystack at the library, you can always find these books dirt cheap online. 

Enjoy!

Amelia Bedilia

Thursday, October 11, 2012



Here's a photo taken following Dr. Bloom's talk on his specialty area of concussion rehabilitation.



Adria Knol, NSSLHA Treasurer, Tamsyn Sweetman, SPAUD grad student, Allison Bouma, NSSLHA Underclassmen Representative, and Dr. Stephen Bloom

Prof. Brian Kreisman featured on Calvin's homepage!

Hello all,

If you haven't had a chance to check out the article about Dr. Brian Kreisman that is featured on Calvin's homepage, you might want to take a look! Here is the link:  http://www.calvin.edu/news/archive/professor-teaches-the-mechanics-and-miracle-of-hearing

We are so fortunate to have both Dr. Brian and Dr. Nicole as additions to the excellent speech pathology and audiology faculty and to have the opportunity to learn from them. They have a wealth of experience and knowledge, both collectively and independently!

Also, thanks so much to those of you who attended our two most recent events, the lectures by Erica Newberg and Dr. Bloom. Stay tuned for info about more events coming up yet this semester including a possible service-learning opportunity and more guest speakers!

-NSSLHA Leadership

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Dr. Stephen Bloom

Hello Speechies!!!

On Thursday night we all have an excellent opportunity to learn more
about one the sub-specialties within our field and to mingle with other students interested in different areas of the medical field! Dr. Stephen Bloom is speaking on the subject of cognitive rehabilitation in concussion. Find out who participates in the process of helping patients recover from concussion and small brain injuries. And as Speechies, this gives us a glimpse into how different medical specialties work together. If you don't know much about cognitive therapy, this is an easy way to learn about it. Just show up at SB 110 at 7pm! Also, this event will count as an educational event that will count towards your active NSSLHA membership!! 

If you haven't guessed by now, Dr. Bloom is kind of a big deal in his
field. He's the medical director of the Postconcussion Program at the Mary Free

Bed Rehabilitation Hospital and oversees the rehabilitation team. In his free time, he gives lectures and continues research on the subject. For more information about him and what he will be speaking about Thursday night, check out this website : http://www.maryfreebed.com/getdoc/2fd4bce0-4792-464b-9d6d-fea051f323f1/asktheexpert_concussionandBI.aspx

So don't miss this wonderful medical multi-discipline opportunity! And
if you want to get a jump-start, here is a link to an
article that will give you more information on the role of SLPs and Audiologists in cognitive rehabilitation: 


http://speech-language-pathology-audiology.advanceweb.com/Features/Articles/The-Basics-of-Cognitive-Intervention.aspx

Hope to see you all there!! :)

NSSLHA Leadership