Thomasz goes along to the Human Resources department to discuss the option of returning to work. In preparation for the meeting the Human Resources assistant has prepared a list of tasks that were involved in the job Thomasz had been doing before his stroke.
(For a reminder on Thomasz’ current speech and language issues see the Additional Information box below)
Thomasz found the meeting frustrating as he realised that he was going to be unable to fulfil his role as he did previously. It was difficult for him to communicate with the HR assistant and she struggled to understand him.
The types of communication difficulties Thomasz has will potentially impact on all areas of his work, even those which would have been relatively basic for him prior to his stroke. It can be surprising how much language is a part of so many everyday tasks.
For more information on vocational rehab see STARs AM 10: Resuming daily activities after stroke.
Answering the telephone?
Yes, Thomasz will have difficulty with this task. He has difficulty speaking in sentences and will struggle to follow the conversation as he can only understand short spoken sentences. The mild articulatory imprecision resulting from his dysarthria may make it difficult for people to easily understand him when he is talking on the telephone.
Taking telephone messages?
Yes, Thomasz will have difficulty with this task. Due to his aphasia, he can only write single words and will not be able to write messages from dictation or to write down sequences of numbers e.g. prices/phone numbers. He finds it difficult to understand complex spoken language so will not be able to following the conversation.
Replying to emails?
Yes, due to his aphasia, Thomasz will struggle with this task as we know he can only read two or three words at a time so will have difficulty comprehending written sentences and as he can only write simple nouns and verbs he will not be able to construct written sentences.
Putting together Powerpoint presentations for training?
Yes, due to his aphasia, Thomasz will have difficulty putting together a Powerpoint presentation – we know he will struggle to construct and comprehend written sentences. If the presentation involved any data he would find that challenging as he finds dealing with numbers and completing numerical calculations difficult. Preparing and delivering presentations would be too difficult for Thomasz since his stroke.
Delivering training to junior staff?
Yes, due to his aphasia and dysarthria, Thomasz will struggle with this task. Although the content may be required to be quite basic as it is training for junior staff, the delivery would be challenging as it is effortful for Thomasz to speak in sentences. He would find it difficult to answer questions from the delegates due to his comprehension problems which make following a conversation difficult. Preparing and delivering presentations would be too difficult a task for Thomasz.
Calculating monthly invoices?
Yes, due to his aphasia, Thomasz would be unable to complete this task. He has difficulty completing numerical calculations and would not be able to write down sequences of numbers e.g. prices.
Page last reviewed: 18 Jan 2021
