Kathryn Walker
Wellington Hospital-London, UK
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Neurol Disord
Communication is a fundamental part of any human relationship � to share ideas, knowledge, feelings, needs and smiles. For patients with stroke, damage to speech and language centers in the brain can be a common and debilitating consequence, often requiring long periods of therapy. The overall objective of speech and language therapy in this context is to optimize individuals� ability to communicate, thereby improving quality of life. The role of technology in assistive communication therapies has grown over the years with the advancing skills and devices now available. Individuals with severe language or speech problems often rely on communication devices to supplement existing speech or replace speech that is not functional. These special augmentative aids help a person to express themselves by allowing the patient to interact with and control their environment. Having adequate assistive technology often means the difference between isolation and participation and from dependence and independence. This presentation will explore the dynamic relationship between technology and communication after stroke, using patient case study examples from speech and language therapy services at the Wellington Hospital in London.
Kathryn Walker completed her Bachelor of Science in Human Communication Science. She is a Senior Speech and Language Therapist in Acute Neuro-rehabilitation at the Wellington Hospital in London. She has worked with patients with complex stroke needs for over eight years, with her interest and expertise in alternative and augmentative communication stemming from her background in Western Australia. She continues to practice clinically as a highly regarded and advanced communication specialist.
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