Kansas resident credits UMAP with improved speech and confidence
Chris Halls and his wife, Jackie
On September 11, 2008, Chris Halls of Sabetha, Kansas,
suffered a severe workplace injury and on the following day, a
stroke. He completed several months of physical, occupational, and
speech-language therapy in Kansas and at Madonna Rehabilitation
Center in Lincoln, Nebraska.
"After two years of speech therapy in Kansas, the majority of it
with Rick Morrison at Sabetha Community Hospital, Rick felt that as
well as Chris was doing, he needed more," said Jackie Halls, Chris'
spouse. "Rick began talking with colleagues and doing his own
research. After a lot of work, a colleague suggested an amazing
program she had heard about through the University of Michigan.
Rick and I pursued the program, and Rick talked with Mimi Block at
length about Chris' needs."
When Chris came to the University of Michigan Aphasia Program
(UMAP) in February 2011, he was introduced to many computer
programs and mobile apps available to those with aphasia.
"Chris’ main goal has always been to return to work," said
Jackie. "UMAP was able to introduce him to so much new technology.
He had been using several computer programs already with success,
but UMAP opened up so many more doors for him."
When Chris came home in between sessions, family and friends
noticed a big difference and even more when he returned home in
March. "Not only did it seem that his speech was better, he was
equipped with a whole new arsenal of computer aids and mobile apps
to facilitate communication," added Jackie. "His confidence had
obviously increased. He no longer hung back in the conversation,
but tried to take an active part. He also was able to work through
a lot of feelings and emotions with his therapists. Coming to terms
with the huge changes in his life is often very difficult."
Chris was very pleased with his individual therapy as well and
continues therapy back home in Kansas. "We have been so blessed to
have wonderful and talented therapists during Chris' recovery,"
said Jackie. "If the opportunity to attend UMAP is there, the
person should go."
"To see Chris attempting to socialize again and feel confident
about himself is amazing," she said. "The kindness and compassion
that Chris and our whole family received while he attended the
program was overwhelming. We have three children who have had to
deal with so much in the last three years, and the UMAP staff took
the time to meet with all of us and educate us, too. The UMAP
program is there to help people with aphasia and their families
succeed in life again."
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