Our Reading Group is celebrating its 8th Anniversary thanks to Jan Bisset, Ph.D. Jan was instrumental in starting and continuing to lead the Reading Group.
The Reading Group gathers to read aloud and discuss topics of interest to adults. Topics range from the American Red Cross to Our National Parks. The reading theme is emailed to group members before each meeting, giving individuals a chance to become familiar with the topic and vocabulary.
Group members take turns reading sentences aloud and answering multiple-choice questions. They end each session with “What do you think?” questions, which promote discussion of the topic.
When did Jan Bisset start the Reading Group?
Reading Group first met in March 2016 and has continued to meet twice a month for 190 sessions! Looking back, Jan says, “We did not let Covid-19 stop us.” When Covid hit, the group moved their meeting online for two years! I won’t say transitioning to using computers for our Reading Group session was easy, but we did it!”
Why did Jan Bisset start the Reading Group?
As a speech-language pathologist, Jan is enthralled with the human brain and how it enables us to listen, understand, and respond to one another. Jan has always had a deep respect for individuals who are challenged by a stroke or head injury resulting in aphasia. After retiring from an academic teaching position and moving to Sarasota, Jan joined the Suncoast Aphasia Support Group. Jan is indebted to Tom Boyle, Hank Prince, and Dr. Donna Polelle, who encouraged her to start a Reading Group eight years ago.
What does Jan Bisset enjoy about Reading Group?
Jan enjoys writing the themes for the Reading Group and knowing that this structured format promotes success. Being familiar with the topic and vocabulary and gathering one’s thoughts before the meeting leads to a relaxed communication environment.
Reading Group encourages people to exchange ideas in any way: verbally, in writing, by gestures, pictures, photographs, prerecorded computer-assisted technology, etc. In the end, Reading Group is a vehicle for people with aphasia to reach out and help others struggling to express themselves. It is an opportunity to experience success in a supportive environment. One member summed it up by saying, “We have a conversation, a real one…” Jan is grateful for that.
For more information contact Jan Bisset, CCC-SLP .
Reading Group meets in person, is FREE for members, and is appropriate for persons with all levels of aphasia. We encourage both readers and non-readers to attend the sessions.
