The DaZy Aphasia Centre, a nonprofit support group founded in 2006, has moved to The University of Toledo’s Main Campus and is located in the Speech and Language Clinic in the Judith Herb College of Education, Health Science and Human Service.
Aphasia is a communication disorder that affects the ability to speak, read and write. It is brought on by a stroke or other brain trauma.
“What happens when people can’t communicate? Everybody assumes their intelligence is gone, and that couldn’t be further from the truth,” said Melodie Dregansky, DaZy program director.
The DaZy Aphasia Centre’s relocation to Main Campus is proving to be a mutually beneficial partnership.
Jennifer Glassman, a lecturer in the UT Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, called the collaboration a “win-win for UT graduate students and the centre.” The scope of the Speech and Language Clinic has been broadened, and graduate students in the speech and language program have the supervised opportunity to work with adult clients at a very convenient location.
“Moving to UT has given us the ability to not have to worry about paying rent or having heat; it’s given us a home that’s always there,” Dregansky said.
The centre receives many visitors in its new location and that provides additional opportunities for clients to practice their communication skills, Dregansky added.
The DaZy Aphasia Centre serves as a resource for people with aphasia, their caregivers and the community. As stated on its website, www.dazyaphasiacentre.org, the mission is to empower, enhance, enrich and rediscover a new life, one with aphasia. The centre provides a therapeutic environment that promotes successful living with aphasia.
The centre is accepting new clients and offers affordable or no-cost therapy and life-skills training. Some scholarships and discounts are available, and no doctor’s prescription is needed.
If you have a friend or family member with aphasia whose life could be positively impacted, contact the DaZy Aphasia Centre at 419.318.9343 or e-mail dazyaphasiacentre@gmail.com.
