Midwestern University Celebrates 10th Annual Aphasia and Stroke Awareness Event
Cross-disciplinary collaboration highlights the University’s One Health approach to care
Students and faculty from multiple healthcare programs came together to present at the 10th Annual Aphasia and Stroke Awareness Event.
Students and faculty from across Midwestern University came together in October for the 10th annual Aphasia and Stroke Awareness Event, hosted by the Speech-Language Pathology Program and the University’s chapter of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA), at the in Downers Grove.
A Decade of Collaboration and Compassion
The annual event, first held in 2014, was inspired by a client living with aphasia who wanted to help others better understand the condition and foster communication within the community. Aphasia is a language disorder caused by damage to areas of the brain responsible for speech and comprehension.
This year’s event brought together about 100 attendees, including faculty, students, and community members. Participants heard presentations from students representing multiple healthcare disciplines, including Speech-Language Pathology, Osteopathic Medicine, Dental Medicine, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Optometry, and Clinical Psychology. Community members living with aphasia or the aftereffects of stroke also shared their personal experiences.
Judith Ball, M.S., CCC-SLP, Clinical Professor of Speech-Language Pathology and event coordinator, reflected on the milestone: “I can’t believe I’ve been coordinating this event for 10 years, and it continues to grow each year to include more disciplines. It’s a true example of interprofessional collaboration.”
Voices of Strength and Resilience
In one memorable moment, clients joined together in song, performing Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down,” underscoring the resilience and community spirit that define the event.
The Aphasia and Stroke Awareness Event continues to embody Midwestern University’s One Health Initiative by fostering interdisciplinary learning and compassion-driven healthcare for all.
