Communication Sciences and Disorders Department’s Fundraiser Proves Positive for Program Support

(New York, NY) The first annual fundraiser on April 9th for the Byrd Drucker Aphasic Fund was a great success. The event raised $5,730 thanks to 17 generous individual donations. Approximately 50 guests attended the free reception that included friends and colleagues of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD), the International Aphasia Movement and the Drucker family.

The revenues from the April 9th reception will ensure that the Saturday Aphasia Therapy Program can continue for the 2008-2009 academic year. The funds will also support the CSD Department’s efforts toward community service and student training. The CSD Department seeks to promote the growth of the Saturday Aphasia program to provide additional services, such as Spanish speaking groups, Sunday groups, and summer programming, which are in high-demand. Rather unique to undergraduate programs, Marymount Manhattan has a state-of-the-art clinical facility to accommodate such program expansion.

The Drucker funds have enabled a collaboration between the CSD Department and the International Aphasia Movement to start a four-session Saturday Aphasia Therapy Program. The program provides support and services for stroke survivors and their families. The Saturday program has provided eight students with the opportunity to plan, provide and observe treatment for their course work thus far. The program is growing and will be able to host more students.

To view a video with photographs from this special event, please click here

For more information about the Byrd Drucker Aphasic Fund and the Saturday Aphasia Therapy Program, please click here.

Published: April 24, 2008