2004–2005 Scholarship Recipient

I was one of 2 grateful recipients of the QUOTA SPAS Scholarships in 2005. In June, I set off to visit 2 of the world’s leading aphasia centres.

So what is aphasia? Aphasia (also called dysphasia) means ‘language impairment as the result of brain injury (typically stroke)’. Language includes: auditory comprehension, verbal expression, reading and writing. Aphasia is usually a chronic condition and one which is life changing for people who live with it and their families. In Australia , speech pathologists have only relatively recently begun to address the long-term consequences of aphasia.

I am a speech pathologist who has worked in adult neurological rehabilitation in Melbourne , V ictoria for the past 8 years since graduating from La Trobe University. I have been fortunate to have met and worked with many people with aphasia and their families and have developed a passion to better meet their needs. The scholarship allowed me to travel to the Aphasia Institute in Toronto , Canada and Connect – The Communication Network in London , England and participate in workshops, meet with experts in aphasia and observe programs in action.

This opportunity was invaluable and will no doubt influence the development of aphasia services in Melbourne and beyond. It would not have been possible without the generous support of QUOTA and Eastern Health, my current employer.