I came across this quote that is so perfectly relevant given the events of the past 10 months:
A problem is a chance to do your best. – Duke Ellington.
Instead of planning our annual open house we are writing a newsletter; something we have wanted to do for quite some time but hadn’t gotten around to it. As I was sketching out what stories to highlight for this year in review, I can’t help but be grateful for the opportunity
to be better.
Because of the COVID-19 crisis, we immediately transitioned to an online group platform using technology that allowed us to educate students and provide services to persons with aphasia who were living across the country. We partnered with the Department of Occupational Therapy, taught their students about aphasia AND provided therapeutic OT services to our members. A new family support group was developed and we welcomed several new members to our community. And we finally have a newsletter!
As I reflect back on the past year, I am grateful for the community of clinicians, students, members, and care partners that dedicate so much time to support our program and were available and willing to help us respond to these difficult times. I am grateful that we were challenged to take risks, be creative, and do our best. While we are certainly ready for some normalcy, we remain energized to keep improving. I think there will be much to share in next year’s newsletter, too.