The “Moving Stories” Project: Promoting Self-Expression in Post- Stroke Aphasia through Dance Theatre and Digital Storytelling Ruth Patterson, Clinical Coordinator, Aphasia and Communication Disabilities Program (ACDP), and Gail Mores, National Director, AccessAbility and Community Engagement, March of Dimes Canada(MODC) 3 year Ontario Trillium Foundation grant to Motus O Dance Theatre to foster the arts in York Region Collaboration between Motus O and ACDP/MODC Why bring Dance Theatre to an aphasia program? Most Life Participation Approach (LPAA, Project Group, Chapey et al, 2001 ) based aphasia programs use the creative arts to help people living with aphasia find new ways of self-expression Previous studies (Cote et al, 2008) showed improved communication and self-esteem in people with aphasia(PWA) and increased positive perception by family members and friends, as a result of participation in Montreal’s Theatre Aphasique Participation in musical theatre at the Adler Aphasia Centre in New York increased joy, teamwork and confidence for PWA and families witnessed the empowerment of their loved ones (Castka et al, 2009) Further exploration of aphasia theatre programs is warranted (Castka at al. 2009) Special Thanks to Jack Langenhuizen, Cynthia and James Croker, and Jeff Young, Motus O Dance Theatre, Stouffville, Ontario

“Moving Stories” Project: Objectives, Methods and Results Objectives: Raise the profile of people living with post-stroke aphasia and communication disabilities (PWA) Provide physical and artistic activities to PWA and their caregivers Provide professional development in dance theatre techniques to staff, volunteers and family members through their participation in the workshops Methods and Results: Expressive Movement: Motus O staff educated on aphasia/supportive communication techniques by SLP 6 customized, weekly 1 hour workshops at 3 ACDP community locations “Mirroring” exercises constant, to work the range of motion Increased social connections Over 60 PWA and caregivers participated Digital Storytelling: 25 PWA/families interviewed by Motus O videographer Individual and composite DVDs produced for PWA/families/staff Digital stories used by MODC staff with PWA and caregivers for education, community teaching and awareness raising and to spark discussions about living successfully with aphasia “ The act of using digital video to turn the lens onto one’s life or context creates opportunities to explore, study and communicate issues. Sharing the experience of overcoming a great challenge in life is fundamental in human story-making. The resulting videos can be used for conveying evidence, messages and calls to action to those who can make a difference.” (Jeff Young, Motus O videographer)

Results: Joe’s Moving Story “ I cannot tell you how many times we have watched the DVD that Joe brought home yesterday. Even our oldest grandson wanted to watch it over and over. Some neighbours popped in and guess what they watched?... This morning before going to school Alex, our grandson, asked to watch it again!!! …. I was quite impressed with Joe's level of comprehension and his ability to respond appropriately in a timely manner. Definitely improvement!! … The male interviewer was excellent. He spoke slowly, clearly and seemed well aware of Joe's communication issues.” These comments, similar to results reported by Cote et al, 2008, showed improved communication and self-esteem for this client and increased positive perception by his family members and neighbours, as a result of participation in both Expressive Movement and Digital Storytelling.

For more information and references: Ruth Patterson, March of Dimes Canada, Jack Langenhuizen or Jeff Young, Motus O Dance Theatre Theatre Aphasique, Montreal, Quebec