Aphasia work brings award

Katie Strong, a Central Michigan University faculty member in communication sciences and disorders, has won the inaugural Tavistock Trust for Aphasia Distinguished Scholar award.

She was one of four chosen.

Aphasia is the impairment of the ability to speak or comprehend speech and the ability to read or write due to brain injury, according to the National Aphasia Association.

The award recognizes academic excellence in all or some of the following areas:

• Research and publications dedicated to improving life with aphasia.
• Mentoring of research students to conduct research associated with quality of life, life participation, conversation or similar topics related to life with aphasia.
• Training of future clinicians to address quality of life with aphasia.
• Working to improve external grant funding that addresses the needs of people living with aphasia.

The goal of the award is to encourage pioneering research and clinical projects that aim to make a difference in the lives of people living with aphasia, their families and caregivers.