This special issue of the journal Aphasiologyis dedicated to the topic of quality of life in aphasia.

The social model of disability emerged from the work of the Union of the Physically Impaired Against Segregation (UPIAS) who published The Fundamental Principles of Disability in 1976. Central to this were two themes: that it was the experience and expertise of disabled people that was crucial in developing a true understanding of the phenomenon of disability and that the main problems of disabled people were externally located in the disabling barriers and social restrictions that they faced. Building upon these themes and the rigid distinction between impair ment and disability that the Fundamental Principles insisted upon, I further developed the social model as the basis of more appropriate professional practice as part of my own work in teaching disability issues to social workers (Oliver, 1983). Subsequently the social model became the accepted vehicle for the promotion and development of disability equality training (Campbell and Gillespie-Sells, 1991) and the basis of the collective self-organization of disabled people into a powerful political movement (Campbell and Oliver, 1996). Outside of social work, the impact of the social model of disability on professional consciousness, let alone practice, has been somewhat limited.

"This book explores the area of psychology in relation with communication disorders. It disseminates the recent research to the scientific fraternity and clinician for the advancement of the discipline and the benefit of person with communication disorders"--

This book is the definitive reference guide to clinical models, as well as specific clinical techniques, for providing client-centered group treatment for aphasia and other neurogenic communication disorders. It provides a wealth of insight and global perspective in the provision of care in aphasia and related conditions for students, clinicians, and professionals in other health-related disciplines. Key Features: * The book is designed for day-to-day use for busy practitioners * Expert clinicians are the authors of each of the chapters giving the reader authoritative guidance * Each chapter follows the same basic outline for quick and accessible reference * Tables, charts, and summaries enhance the text

This is the first single-authored book to attempt to bridge the gap between aphasia research and the rehabilitation of patients with this language disorder. Studies of the deficits underlying aphasia and the practice of aphasia rehabilitation have often diverged, and the relationship between theory and practice in aphasiology is loose. The goal of this book is to help close this gap by making explicit the relationship between what is to be rehabilitated and how to rehabilitate it.Early chapters cover the history of aphasia and its therapy from Broca's discoveries to the 1970s, and provide a description of the classic aphasia syndromes. The middle section describes the contribution of cognitive neuropsychology and the treatment models it has inspired. It includes discussion of the relationship between the treatment approach and the functional model upon which it is based. The final chapters deal with aphasia therapy. After providing a sketch of a working theory of aphasia, Basso describes intervention procedures for disorders resulting from damage at the lexical and sentence levels as well as a more general conversation-based intervention for severe aphasics.Anna Basso has run an aphasia rehabilitation unit for more than thirty years. In this book she draws on her considerable experience to provide researchers, clinicians, and their students and trainees in speech-language pathology and therapy, aphasiology, and neuropsychology with comprehensive coverage of the evolution and state of the art of aphasia research and therapy.

"Aphasia and Related Neurogenic Communication Disorders is designed for the graduate course on Aphasia. Part 1 of the textbook covers aphasiology, while part 2 addresses related disorders. Overall, the textbook offers an overview of aphasia and related neurogenic communication disorders by presenting important recent advances and clinically relevant information. It emphasizes Evidence Based Practice by critically reviewing the pertinent literature and its relevance for best clinical practices. Case studies in all clinical chapters illustrate key topics, and a "Future Directions" section in each chapter provides insight on where the field may be headed. The WHO ICF Framework is introduced in the beginning of the text and then reinforced and infused throughout"--

"Aphasia is a debilitating disorder, resulting from brain damage, which causes a person to lose the ability to understand or express speech. While aphasia is sometimes permanent, some people can completely recover their language ability spontaneously or with treatment. This monograph consists of four chapters that provide details about the disorder and describe various treatment options. Chapter One reports non-invasive brain stimulation's contribution to the study of phonological, syntactic and semantic language processing, as well as the recent interest in connections between language and motor systems. Chapter Two describes linguistically focused intensive group therapy and discusses the specific needs of adolescents and young adults with acquired aphasia. Chapter Three presents a case report of a patient with post-traumatic aphasia. Chapter Four provides details about subcortical aphasia, which is a language disorder caused by injuries in subcortical areas, such as the basal ganglia, white matter tracts, and thalamus, but not by injuries in cortical language areas, such as Wernicke's and Broca's areas"--

The Life Participation Approach to Aphasia (LPAA) is an evolutionary change in the way practitioners view aphasia intervention. By focusing on meeting the needs of individuals affected by aphasia, LPAA can produce real, meaningful enhancement to the quality of life. Neurogenic Communication Disorders and the Life Participation Approach: The Social Imperative in Supporting Individuals and Families breaks down the past, present, and future of the LPAA movement with contributions from a range of new and experienced practitioners. In addition, this text provides a roadmap for professionals interested in incorporating person-centered intervention for aphasia and other neurogenic communication disorders, including primary progressive aphasia, dementia, and traumatic brain injury. Within this book, clinicians will find tips, tools, and guidance for integrating a life participation approach into their practice, as well as first-hand descriptions of the positive benefits this approach can have for those living with neurogenic communication disorders.