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Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credit description:
How to Succeed When Your Spouse Has Aphasia - An Insider's Perspective
a presentation by Stephanie Mensh
Target audience: Therapists and other medical and health care providers; vocational counselors; students who work with persons who have disabilities; and family members/caregivers of people with aphasia. [Not intended for persons with aphasia.
Description: This presentation/workshop provides a unique perspective on how to continue a successful family life, from the viewpoint of the spouse of a person with aphasia. Focus is on defining the role of the spouse and family members in the survivor's recovery. Participants will be encouraged to share their experiences and concerns. Materials will promote a sensitive and positive approach. Be inspired while you learn practical tips from the spouse of a survivor who has spent more than 15 years on the front lines. Approximately one hour.
Objectives: Participants will gain an understanding of: (1) the importance of defining and setting limits to the new roles that spouses assume in the recovery and reintegration of the person with aphasia; (2) establishing expectations for the survivor's participation in family and community life, and building toward increased independence; (3) the importance of communicating and sharing with others; and (4) the importance of the spouse's feelings regarding the changes in their personal lives.
Speaker: Stephanie Mensh is the wife Paul Berger, a stroke survivor with severe aphasia. Stephanie and Paul, who have been married for 23 years, co-authored the nationally-acclaimed book, How to Conquer the World With One Hand...And an Attitude, detailing 15 years of Paul's stroke recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration. Stephanie is a skilled and creative communicator, an expert in Medicare reimbursement, and advocate for persons with disabilities. She is a member of the Fairfax County Disability Services Board and was appointed to represent accessibility issues in the Tysons Corner Transportation and Urban Design Study Coordinating Committee. Stephanie and Paul's book is recommended reading by a growing number of university speech and occupational therapy programs. They have delivered over 50 professional presentations. For more information, visit their website at: www.StrokeSurvivor.com.
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