Listen for LIFE Aphasia Podcast LIFE Aphasia Academy® Genevieve Richardson

In this episode of the Listen for LIFE Aphasia Podcast, our host, Genevieve Richardson, is a guest on Telepractice Today for their 200th episode! The episode dives into the world of telepractice and its impact on accessibility and reaching people regardless of their location. Genevieve is joined with Michelle Boisvert where they share their experiences as speech-language pathologists and how telepractice has revolutionized their fields. Here are the top takeaways from this episode:
- Telepractice requires the right equipment, including a reliable computer, a solid wifi connection, an iPad, and a keyboard.
- Tips and tricks for effective telepractice include using two screens for streaming audio and video, screen sharing, and utilizing Google Slides.
- The pandemic has brought both challenges and benefits to telepractice, with increased involvement of parents and caregivers in therapy sessions.
- Standards and training in telepractice are crucial to ensure quality and effectiveness.
- Technology tools like Google Lens can greatly enhance accessibility and engagement for clients with reading disabilities or low vision.
- Real-life case studies demonstrate the significant impact of these tools on clients' progress and independence.
- Telepractice promotes inclusion and provides support for individuals with communication disorders.
 
The Listen for LIFE Aphasia Podcast is a platform dedicated to supporting individuals through stories and experiences. Visit ListenForLIFEAphasiaPodcast.com to view video episodes. If you have a topic or guest recommendation, or if YOU want to be a guest, visit the Guest Hub. If you have any unanswered questions, you can ask Genevieve and Aphasia Wisdom through “Search for Answers.”
If you or a loved one is seeking telepractice support, LIFE Speech Pathology® can help! Explore our services and approach at DoLIFESpeechPathology.com. 
Stay connected with us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram for updates and encouragement.
Together, let's uncomplicate aphasia.

In this episode of the Listen for Life podcast, hosted by Genevieve Richardson, we dive into the world of aphasia rehabilitation and support. Our guest, Michelle Armour, a speech-language pathologist at Northwestern Medicine Aphasia Center at Marianjoy, shares her experience and insights on how to navigate life with aphasia. Here are the top takeaways from our conversation:
- Michelle started the Aphasia Center at Marianjoy due to the limited resources available for individuals with aphasia. It began as a support group and has now evolved into a comprehensive program.
- The Aphasia Center offers various programs, including in-person group activities such as conversation groups, technology training, functional math and writing exercises, and a book club.
- Virtual programming and an intensive aphasia program are also available at the center. The intensive program lasts four weeks and includes group therapy, individual therapy, and community outings.
- The life participation approach is a key focus in aphasia rehabilitation. It aims to help individuals with aphasia participate in meaningful activities and involves collaborative goal-setting with the patient and their family.
- Aphasia Access, an organization of which Michelle is the vice president, provides resources and support for clinicians using the life participation approach. They offer programs and educational opportunities to advance the mission of improving aphasia rehabilitation.
- Caregivers play a crucial role in aphasia rehabilitation; supporting them is essential. Michelle highlights the value of caregiver support groups and involving caregivers in goal-setting and therapy planning.
- Plans for Aphasia Access include e-learning opportunities and leadership summits further to spread knowledge and implementation of the life participation approach.
 
For more information on Marianjoy, please follow the link HERE!
 
If you or someone you know is navigating life with aphasia, this episode provides valuable insights and resources. Remember, you're not alone in this journey.
Thank you for your support and engagement with LIFE Speech Pathology®. Explore our services and approach at Do LIFE Speech Pathology. Listen to our Listen for LIFE Aphasia Podcast for more resources and inspiring stories.
Stay connected with us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram for updates and encouragement.
Together, let's uncomplicate aphasia.

In this episode of the Listen for Life aphasia podcast, we dive into the topic of swallowing disorders, also known as dysphagia. Our guest is speech pathologist Mary Kate O'Connell, with a passion for working with stroke patients; Mary Kate brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Mary Kate introduces the McNeil Dysphagia Treatment Program, a highly effective therapeutic method centered around rehabilitation. She praises the program for its emphasis on helping patients regain the ability to eat and drink without the need for thickened liquids or compensatory strategies.
Here are the top takeaways from this episode:
- Dysphagia is a common issue among stroke patients, with approximately 50-75% of them experiencing some form of swallowing impairment.
- Swallowing difficulties can manifest in various ways, such as difficulty chewing, facial weakness, or weakened swallowing muscles, leading to choking, coughing, or aspiration pneumonia.
- There are different approaches to dysphagia treatment, including compensatory techniques and rehabilitation exercises. While compensatory techniques provide immediate help, rehabilitation exercises focus on long-term improvements in swallowing ability.
- The McNeil Dysphagia Treatment Program is highly effective and centered around rehabilitation. It emphasizes exercise physiology and helps patients regain the ability to eat and drink without the need for thickened liquids or compensatory strategies.
- Thickened liquids, often recommended for individuals with dysphagia, can negatively impact their quality of life. They can be unappetizing and inconvenient in social settings, and there are risks of dehydration, malnutrition, and confusion associated with relying on them.
- To ensure the safety and well-being of patients with dysphagia, it is crucial to educate families and visitors about dysphagia and the recommended strategies outlined by speech language pathologists.
 
The Listen for LIFE Aphasia Podcast is a platform dedicated to supporting individuals through stories and experiences. Visit ListenForLIFEAphasiaPodcast.com to view video episodes. If you have a topic or guest recommendation, or if YOU want to be a guest, visit the Guest Hub. If you have any unanswered questions, you can ask Genevieve and Aphasia Wisdom through “Search for Answers.”
If you or a loved one is seeking telepractice support, LIFE Speech Pathology® can help! Explore our services and approach at DoLIFESpeechPathology.com. 
 
Stay connected with us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram for updates and encouragement.
Together, let's uncomplicate aphasia.

In this episode of the Listen for Life podcast, host Genevieve Richardson interviews Lisa, a speech pathologist with extensive experience in rehabilitating adults with communication challenges. Here are the top takeaways from their conversation:
- Lisa shares her journey into the field of speech pathology, starting with her college majors in engineering and sciences before discovering her passion through her involvement in the debate team.
- She pursued a graduate degree in speech pathology and developed an interest in working with geriatric patients during her clinical training at a VA hospital.
- Lisa has primarily worked in skilled nursing facilities, providing direct patient care and serving as a supervisor and educator for other speech pathologists.
- She has taught over 400 courses at the continuing education level, focusing on interprofessional education to foster collaboration among different healthcare disciplines.
- Lisa emphasizes the importance of advocacy and collaboration within the speech pathology profession, particularly in relation to Medicare policy.
- She explains the complexities of the Medicare system and the need for speech pathologists to stay informed about changes in regulations and reimbursement rates.
- Lisa's upcoming book explores resilience from a Christian perspective and provides strategies for developing resilience in the face of stress and adversity.
- The book offers practical guidance for individuals in various caregiving roles and tailored strategies for different situations.
If you're interested in learning more about Lisa's work and gaining valuable insights into speech pathology and caregiving, check out her book when it becomes available on Amazon. And don't forget to visit the podcast's website for show notes and to provide feedback or suggestions for future episodes. Keep uncomplicating aphasia with LIFE Speech Pathology!
 
Thank you for your support and engagement with LIFE Speech Pathology®. Explore our services and approach at Do LIFE Speech Pathology. Listen to our Listen for LIFE Aphasia Podcast for more resources and inspiring stories.
Stay connected with us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram for updates and encouragement.
Together, let's uncomplicate aphasia.

In this episode of the Listen for Life Aphasia podcast, we explore the profound impact of perception and definitions on the journey with aphasia. We emphasize that how aphasia is defined and perceived profoundly influences how treatments are designed, implemented, experienced, and accepted.
Here are the top takeaways from this episode:
- Perception plays a crucial role in the journey with aphasia. It can either limit the potential for recovery or unlock innovative holistic approaches that focus on a return to a fulfilling and engaged life.
- Understanding the perception of the person with aphasia and their beliefs is essential. It can greatly impact engagement and the overall quality of life for individuals with aphasia.
- Belief in one's ability to improve and the role of support systems are crucial in the recovery process. Significant progress can be achieved by changing perceptions and empowering individuals with aphasia.
- The transformative power of changing perceptions is highlighted through inspiring stories of clients who have experienced remarkable recoveries.
- Building hope is key in the journey with aphasia. By changing perceptions and providing individuals with aphasia with hope and quick wins, they can experience a more fulfilling and engaged life.
We encourage you to download the free PDF handout on building hope, which can be found at uncomplicatingaphasia.com. Take action today and start changing perceptions to empower individuals with aphasia on their journey towards a more fulfilling life.
 
Thank you for your support and engagement with LIFE Speech Pathology®. Explore our services and approach at Do LIFE Speech Pathology. Listen to our Listen for LIFE Aphasia Podcast for more resources and inspiring stories.
Stay connected with us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram for updates and encouragement.
Together, let's uncomplicate aphasia.

In this episode of the Listen for LIFE Aphasia Podcast, we dive into the world of aphasia and explore ways to navigate life with this language disorder. Here's a comprehensive summary of what you can expect:
- Genevieve announces the release of three insightful eBooks through her businesses, LIFE Speech Pathology and LIFE Aphasia Academy. These eBooks cover various aspects of aphasia, from the initial diagnosis and transition to home care to communication strategies and maximizing the benefits of therapy, and finally, guidance on living a fulfilling life with chronic aphasia.
- We delve into the details of aphasia, a language disorder caused by damage to the left side of the brain. It affects speaking, listening, reading, and writing, and we explore different types of aphasia, such as fluent and non-fluent aphasia.
- Throughout the episode, we emphasize the importance of family members and caregivers' support and understanding. We provide valuable tips on communicating effectively with someone with aphasia, including the importance of patience, silence, and giving them time to process information.
- We highlight the crucial role of speech pathologists in addressing swallowing issues and providing communication strategies and alternative modes of communication. We discuss creating a communication book as a visual aid and resource for individuals with aphasia and their caregivers.
- We touch on the collaboration with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, nurses, physical therapists, and occupational therapists, in the rehabilitation process. We explain key terms and concepts related to rehabilitation to ensure a comprehensive understanding.
- The episode concludes by reassuring caregivers that they are not alone in their journey. We emphasize the availability of support and resources and encourage them to ask questions, take notes, and seek assistance when needed. We also stress the importance of self-care and recognizing the person with aphasia as an individual with their own identity, dreams, and interests.
 
The Listen for LIFE Aphasia Podcast is a platform dedicated to supporting individuals through stories and experiences. Visit ListenForLIFEAphasiaPodcast.com to view video episodes. If you have a topic or guest recommendation, or if YOU want to be a guest, visit the Guest Hub. If you have any unanswered questions, you can ask Genevieve and Aphasia Wisdom through “Search for Answers.”
 
If you or a loved one is seeking telepractice support, LIFE Speech Pathology® can help! Explore our services and approach at DoLIFESpeechPathology.com. 
 
Stay connected with us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram for updates and encouragement.
Together, let's uncomplicate aphasia.