Abstract:
The current article overviews a range of collaborative group projects undertaken by
members of the Conversation Groups for individuals living with aphasia and
cognitive-communication disorders in the Department of Communication Pathology,
University of Pretoria, South Africa. Projects work towards creating networks of
support, and lessening barriers for the individual living with aphasia and cognitive-communication
disorders. The article highlights the pervasive and far-reaching
influence across continents of Professor Mark Ylvisaker’s philosophy, writings and
personal teachings on both Conversation Group projects, as well as student clinician
training practice in the University of Pretoria context. In addition, Ylvisaker’s
influence is described on the development of a collaborative communication partner
training program within a South African retail supermarket environment, highlighting
the effort to remove barriers between employees and customers with a cognitive-communication
disability specifically.
