Educational Media Reviews Online

This brief piece on aphasia was produced as an educational item for the Canadian Broadcasting System and although some introductory statistics are specific to Canada, the majority of the content is applicable to a wide consumer audience. Aphasia is a disorder that occurs when the areas of the brain that control language skills are damaged. Usually people most often associate the disorder with strokes, but it can also be the result of other brain injuries and infections. The two individuals who share their stories in this film are stroke victims. Christopher is a young self-employed contractor who frequently used drugs and Jack is an older prominent attorney. Through a series of interviews with the two and their close families we can see how aphasia affects the language skills of each person so differently. In addition, it portrays its impact on their daily lives, ranging from family life and work to communication in a broader societal context. We also have the opportunity to see a variety of language therapy approaches, including a Toast Masters speech group specifically designed for people with aphasia. The struggles to relearn basic language and communication skills are honestly depicted.