Communication passports are a useful communication device for those who cannot easily speak for themselves as they present information in an “easy-to-follow” format that makes it possible to get thoughts across. The advantage of passport are that they are easy to read, informative, useful and fun. Read More
Category: Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is a term comprising a variety of motor conditions causing physical disability which are typically congenital (i.e. occurring at or near birth) and are not progressive or contagious. Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the brain from a lesion or other injury and manifests it self in different ways and varying severity. It typically affects muscle movement and coordination and in many cases also affects cognition and learning.
Ghana January 2014: Lessons in Kumasi: Komfo Anokye Hospital
We awoke bright and early this morning to our beautiful new digs in Kumasi. After breakfast, we boarded the bus to start our day at Komfo Anoyke hospital. It was a busy morning of introductions, and more assessments similar to those at Korle Bu. We saw kids with hearing loss, cerebral palsy, Waardenburg syndrome, and stuttering. For most of us, it was our first exposure to Waardenburg syndrome, which served as a particularly interesting case to assess and analyze.
Once our work at the hospital was complete, we grabbed a quick lunch to fuel ourselves for more market shopping. In the very back of the market was a painter who had no functional use of his arms and had to use his mouth to paint. He demonstrated his talent to us as we flipped through and purchased his pieces. Needless to say, they were all unbelievably stunning. However, that wasn’t the only craft shop that stood out to most of us. There was a father and son who owned a woodworking shop with gorgeous handcrafted pieces. They even went so far as to carve it in front of you to make sure it’s exactly what you want.
The night ended with a class discussion about the work we are doing and suggestions for next years trips.
Thanks to Jenn Stanis for the post.
Ghana January 2014: Arrival and Immersion at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital
This morning we left Sunyani for Accra to visit and work in the largest hospital in all of Ghana. After landing in Accra we immediately boarded the bus and headed straight to the only mall in Ghana to refresh our snack supply. We headed to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital to provide speech and language therapy to both adults and children.
Upon arrival, we were introduced to the famous Albert, one of 9 speech language therapists in Ghana. We also met Clement and Josephine, two SLTs who are starting the first masters program for SLT at the University of Ghana. We split up into three groups of five students and began providing therapy. We were all nervous, but excited to begin applying our knowledge and thinking on our feet. We saw a variety of patients with varying disorders such as autism, Down syndrome, aphasia, cerebral palsy, and speech disorders. Each student was given a different role during the evaluation and we all worked together to create functional goals and techniques that would benefit each patient. We taught these techniques to the patients and caregivers so they could practice at home.
Providing therapy today was a challenging but rewarding experience! We are beginning to realize how much we have already grown and will continue to grow as clinicians throughout this trip. After leaving the hospital we had an amazing Ghanaian meal at our hotel. We all ate many helpings of chicken, fish, plantains, pasta with steamed veggies, rice and beans, and watermelon. It was delicious! We also met to discuss all the patients seen, their progress, and what lies in store for us tomorrow.
Thanks to Shannon Luckovich for the post
