Stroke Rehabilitation Team honoured for advancing aphasia care

St. Joseph’s Stroke Rehabilitation Team at Parkwood Institute received the 2024 Gerry Cormier Communicative Access Award for being the first to implement eLearning communication strategies that enhance care and inclusion for stroke survivors with aphasia.  

The St. Joseph’s Stroke Rehabilitation Team at Parkwood Institute has been recognized with the 2024 Gerry Cormier Communicative Access Award, a national honor presented by the Aphasia Institute. The award celebrates individuals and organizations dedicated to breaking down barriers and empowering those with aphasia—a communication disorder caused by stroke or brain injury—to fully participate in life.

The team was the first to incorporate the Supported Conversation for Adults with Aphasia (SCA™) eLearning module into their training, seamlessly integrating it across the rehabilitation continuum of care, including inpatient, outpatient, and community services. Developed by the Aphasia Institute, this program provides training in strategies like using gestures, visual aids, and simplified language to improve communication with stroke survivors. The course was assigned to approximately 154 staff members, with 118 having completed it so far, resulting in a completion rate of nearly 80 per cent.  

Additionally, the team implemented the Communicative Access Measures for Stroke (CAMS) framework, a quality improvement tool designed to enhance policies, staff practices, and patient satisfaction, creating a more inclusive environment for patients with aphasia.  

“We are deeply honored to receive this recognition from the Aphasia Institute,” says Kristen Johnson, manager of the Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation Program at Parkwood Institute. “Many of our patients are adapting to life with aphasia after a stroke. By integrating tools like SCA™ training and CAMS, we are helping them rebuild communication skills, regain confidence, and feel truly supported. This award is a proud moment for our entire team.”

The Stroke Rehabilitation Team at St. Joseph’s Parkwood Institute specializes in stroke recovery, offering personalized rehabilitation plans to restore communication, mobility, and independence.  

The Gerry Cormier Communicative Access Award, established in the early 1990s and renamed in 2014, honours the late Gerry Cormier, a man with aphasia who courageously shared his story to raise awareness and promote education.  

“This award highlights our commitment to fostering a supportive environment where patients with aphasia feel heard and valued,” said Niki Grzywnowicz, manager of the outpatient and community stroke rehabilitation teams. “It’s a testament to the importance of education, innovation, and compassion in health care.”  

Visit the Aphasia Institute's website to learn more about their services.