MAY 2008

The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) - Center for Aphasia Research
Aphasia Advocacy Group

"The RIC Center for Aphasia Research was established in 2001. We started providing weekly conversation groups in 2002 and added a book club in 2003. Now we have a variety of groups that meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Recently, these groups have included a biographical writing class, and conversation groups about art appreciation, current controversies in the news, and wellness.

We would like to highlight our newest group, our Aphasia Advocacy group. The group began in January 2008 and is ongoing. Since we started, about 10 different people have been involved with our many projects. Our current group consists of 5 people with aphasia, one speech therapist coordinator, and a student intern. We meet weekly for an hour and a half to 'Get the Word Out' about aphasia.

For example, our projects have included:

• Seeking Chicago Mayoral and Illinois State Gubernatorial Proclamations for 'June is Aphasia Awareness Month.'
• Hosting a mini-lecture series presented entirely by people with aphasia.
• Lobbying in Springfield, IL to help establish regional stroke centers.
  
  Our Plans for the future include:
  
  
• Going to Washington, DC for Lobby Day in Congress with the American Heart Association in late April and reporting back to the group.
• Marching in the 5th Annual Chicago Disabilities Parade in July
• Attending and presenting at the NAA Convention [Speaking Out! 2008] in NY in June (hope to see you there!!!)

To be continued...We are certain we will have a productive year and then some. To learn more about our groups and classes, see the contact information below "

Edie Babbit, M.Ed., CCC-SLP
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago Center for Aphasia Research
ebabbit@ric.org
(312) 238-6163
www.ric.org/aphasia


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