Aphasia Software Finder
In Association with the Speech & Language Therapy Research Unit based at Frenchay Hospital
The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia is pleased to announce the launch of the Aphasia Software Finder.
Research shows that it is possible for the brain to develop new capabilities to replace those lost by the damage caused by stroke or injury. If the brain receives lots of stimulus then sometimes it can adapt using new pathways – this can happen at any age and does not require the use of drugs or surgery.
Realistically, it is not possible to provide each individual with aphasia with the intensive therapy to achieve sufficient stimulus necessary for most people. Neither the NHS, nor any other healthcare system, can afford to fund the volume of speech and language therapy needed to ensure that enough targeted practice is given to gain the maximum improvement in communication that all would hope for.
Although not a substitute for one-on-one speech and language therapy, research has shown that the use of computer based treatment, in their own homes, can be very successful for people with aphasia. It is not only a very cost effective way of getting frequent on going treatment to those who need it, but it also provides a way in which some people with aphasia can access regular therapy when no other may be available.
We hope this website will make it easier for people with aphasia, family and friends, as well as speech and language professionals, to find the information they need to help them make informed choices.
When Robin Tavistock founded The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia, his hope was to find ways to help others with aphasia access meaningful treatment so that the quality of their lives would improve. He would have been very proud to know that this website will help many, not only in this country, but also across the English speaking world.
The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia would like to thank the Eranda Foundation for their generous support for this project.
Frequently Asked Questions about the website
What is it?
The website gives information about the different software programmes that help treat aphasia, available in the English language.
Who is the website for?
It’s for everybody – people with aphasia, their families and those who care for them, and for speech & language professionals working in the field of aphasia.
What is in the website?
The website provides information about software programmes that help treat aphasia.
To help individuals find what they want, the information is presented in different ways, with varying degrees of details. There is a full list of software, a comparison table and a section with more detail about what the different pieces of software are designed to do.
Is the website a kind of league table?
No – the website only gives information about what the software does. It does not give advice, nor recommendations. Different software programmes have different features, and that means some programmes are helpful to some individuals more than for others.
Why is the website needed?
Whilst we still feel that intensive speech and language therapy is vital, because of economics it is often not available. There are now many aphasia software programmes available. Many people now have a computer at home and want to use it to supplement or continue treatment. However, it can be difficult to know what is available and difficult to know how to decide on which is the best one for the needs of a particular person. We aim to bring the relevant information together onto one website.
Who’s produced the website?
The original idea came from Nicole Campbell, a Trustee of The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia. After exploratory discussions the TTA commissioned Dr Brian Petheram from the Speech & Language Therapy Research Unit based at Frenchay Hospital to develop the website, which he did with S< Sarah Woodward and web designer Julie Ward. Members of Speakeasy in Lancashire helped with the site’s design from a person with aphasia’s point of view.
Is the website finished yet?
Yes and no… The website includes information on most of the computer programmes that are currently available. However, this website will be updated regularly with new or changed programmes and it will be improved as appropriate. We welcome comments and suggestions.
When and where can I access the website?
Right now on the internet – type in ‘aphasia software finder’ into your browser or go direct to: www.aphasiasoftwarefinder.org
THE TAVISTOCK TRUST