BACKGROUND TO ESTABLISHING THE RODNEY APHASIA GROUP

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BACKGROUND TO ESTABLISHING THE RODNEY APHASIA
GROUP

• AAA Conference Brisbane - 29th Sept. 2008

By Rod Dennis
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START OF OUR GROUP

• Study of Fast-For-Word - computer training
• Elle Glazer brought two aphasiacs to review it
• First formal meeting 11th May 2006
• Meetings held downstairsin our house

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MEETING WITH REX PADDY

• Rex Paddy CEO of Northern Region of Stroke
  Foundation NZ
• Start of helpful relationship

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THE ANGELA BERENS EVENT

• Angela Berens Event Rodney District 23rd
  April, 2007.
• One of the most successful events in New Zealand
  for stroke survivors, their families, carers and
  associated health professionals
• (Over 200 people attended)

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CANBERRA AAA CONFERENCE
Spreading the news
Independence, Aphasia and Me. 19th 20th October
2006 Canberra
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NZ APHASIA CONFERENCE
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CHANGE OF VENUE

• Larger venue needed
• December 2007 16 at meeting at our house
• Located a meeting room at Red Beach
• Methodist Church in early 2008.

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OBJECTIVES of the RODNEY APHASIA GROUP

• Encourage fellowship between aphasiacs
• Help develop self esteem
• Enhance our knowledge of aphasia
• Encourage and develop confidence
• Publicise aphasia

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METHODOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT

• Agenda sent to all members in advance
• I chair this meeting in my role as Convenor
• Minutes prepared by carer
• Key activity to talk about our personal
  situation

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Communication

• Articles to Aphasia Newsletter NZ
• Articles to Aphasia Newsletter Aust.
• Articles to Stroke Foundation Newsletter
• Articles to The Word

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FINANCES

• Finances from Laurie Parker Trust
• Administered by Orewa Rotary Club
• Members rostered to provide afternoon tea

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THE JACK KURNEY MEMORIAL

• Funds donated to Rodney Aphasia Group at funeral
  of our member, Jack Kurney, in 2008
• Group resolved to use thisfund to purchase a
  memento
• For annual presentation tomember who contributes
  mosttoward welfare and benefitof Aphasia
  sufferers in Rodney Community

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Publicity for the RODNEY APHASIA GROUP

• Articles in local and national newspapers

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RESEARCH

• Members participate in research projects
• Massey University
• Auckland Stroke Outcome study
• Jane Carmichael Dr. Clare McCann

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BENEFITS from our Members Perspective
Speaking in front of group with similar issues
to myself has given me a lot of confidence (Lyn).
Understanding that there are others a lot worse
than me (Keith)
It is a treat to deal with other
aphasiacs (Bill)
Speaking at the meeting. Exchange experiences
(Angela).
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CONCLUSION

• Rodney Aphasia Group has succeeded
• Numbers increased from 5 to 27
• Articles in media
• Attendance at this conference
• Improving confidence

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My RECOMMENDATION

• Rodney Aphasia Group has helped us all.
• Recommendation join a group or form a new one.
• THANK YOU FOR LISTENING

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SPECIAL THANKS TO

• Elaine Dennis - Typing
• Victoria Denny Speaker buddy
• John Dennis Preparation of power point
  projection programme