Helpful Links

New Zealand Aphasia Documentary: Open Door Aphasia

A few years ago a short documentary was produced in New Zealand highlighting 4 people who live in Auckland with aphasia. The documentary tells the stories of Luke, Roger, Ian, and Barbara – all of whom acquired aphasia at different stages in their lives. Their stories are inspirational and moving and well worth viewing. Videos are available to watch on YouTube:

Open Door: Aphasia Part 1 and Open Door: Aphasia Part 2

Aphasia the Movie

A seasoned actor with impressive notoriety, Carl McIntyre was also a very successful salesman and a beloved teacher when he was felled by a massive stroke in September 2005. The stroke left him with aphasia.

After his stroke, Carl was given a deadline of 18 months for recovery. After that, he was told there would be little or no more improvement. Carl met this challenge head-on and defied the expectations of most experts.

In 2010, Carl starred as himself in the celebrated short film, ‘Aphasia the Movie.’ He received rave reviews for his powerful and nuanced performance and is the driving force of the film. Although his speech is still affected, Carl is a shining example of perseverance, determination, and personal motivation. He shows humour, strength of heart and an amazing spirit in the face of staggering obstacles and inspires audiences to do the same in their lives.

‘Aphasia the Movie’ is part of AphasiaNZ’s resource library. Friends of AphasiaNZ can borrow the DVD at no cost. You can also rent and stream the movie for USD$4.99 for 48 hours – click here for the details.

You can have a look at the movie’s webpage here.

Please contact us for more information.

Australian Aphasia Association (AAA)

The AAA is an Australian support and advocacy association for people with aphasia, their families and the professionals who help them. They hold biennial international conferences and the last face-to-face conference was in November 2018, on the Sunshine Coast. An online conference was held during June 2021.

Centre for Brain Research (CBR)

The Centre for Brain Research is a unique partnership between scientists, clinicians and the community. Established in 2009, the centre excels in world-class neuroscience research carried out by cross-faculty research teams, alongside clinical collaborations with leading neurologists, neurosurgeons and physicians in New Zealand and around the world.

Scientists, doctors and students work at every level, from the laboratory to the clinic to the whanau and community. By working together the CBR aims to provide a brighter future for people and families affected by brain disease.

Centre for Brain Research initiatives include:

• The CeleBRation Choir – A therapeutic community singing group for adults living with an acquired neurological condition such as stroke, aphasia, Parkinson’s disease, dementia or traumatic brain injury
• The Stroke Research Clinic – A research facility made up of expert clinicians who are all focussed on finding ways to improve outcomes following stroke
• The More Than Words Gavel Club – A communication therapy group for people with aphasia which is associated with Toastmasters International, aiming to improve communication, confidence, and develop leadership.

Neurological Foundation of New Zealand

The Neurological Foundation is a New Zealand charity that funds vital research and ongoing education into neurological conditions, which includes diseases and disorders of the brain and central nervous system. For over ten years the Neurological Foundation has been the official global partner for Brain Awareness Week in New Zealand, holding events each year to share knowledge and raise awareness.

The TalkLink Trust

The TalkLink Trust provides Assistive Technology tools and strategies. The TalkLink team are specialists in the area of Communication Assistive Technology/Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). AAC tools and strategies are used to supplement or replace speech or writing for those with impairments in the production or comprehension of spoken or written language. TalkLink offers useful information and resources too.

The TalkLink team consists of Speech-language Therapists, occupational therapists, teachers and technicians. They partner with disabled people, their families and whānau, as well as their support teams to provide services throughout New Zealand, and usually travel to meet their clients. TalkLink has contracts with the Ministry of Health and ACC, which allows free services to eligible clients.

New Zealand Speech-Language Therapists’ Association (NZSTA)

The Stroke Foundation of NZ

New Zealand’s Stroke Foundation is a national charity focused on the prevention of and recovery from stroke. Community Stroke Advisors (CSAs) work with stroke survivors, their family, whānau and carers. Their work and support helps people achieve the best possible outcomes after stroke. This is a free service.

The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia

The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia (TTA) works to improve the quality of life for those with aphasia, their families and carers. They do this by funding pioneering research and projects that will improve services and therapies; by acting as a catalyst in pulling together charities working in the same area; in raising the profile of the condition amongst the public, students of Speech-language Therapy and the medical profession, so that people can understand aphasia better. Henrietta, Duchess of Bedford, is Trustee and former Patron of AphasiaNZ Inc. before we became a Charitable Trust in July 2012. She was given life membership of the Association (now a life Friend of the Trust) at the AGM in July 2008 in recognition of her patronage.

The Tavistock Trust launched the Aphasia Software Finder, a free website that enables people with aphasia, their friends and families, as well as speech and language professionals, find appropriate aphasia therapy software apps and programs in the English language. The website also includes links to other useful apps, software and websites that can help with daily life and with computers.