Former Client and Ohio Native Sees Improved Speaking
 Jack Wahl’s family including his wife (Diane),
daughters (Marissa, a senior studying Speech-Language Pathologist
at Bowling Green State University, and Meghan), son (Michael), and
brothers, have noticed some positive changes in his
communication as a result of participating in the February 2012
session of UMAP.
Jack, 51, a resident of Defiance, Ohio, has added confidence and
is maintaining eye contact more often in conversations.
"He’s controlling language himself and taking turns during
conversations,” said Marissa. “He’s much more confident when
communicating."
Jack enjoyed many aspects of UMAP, including the weekly
Dinner Club , where clients go to various
Ann Arbor restaurants, order from the menu, and interact with each
other.
Jack has come a long way since he had a stroke three and a half
years ago. He was in the hospital in Defiance, as well as at
the University of Michigan Hospital. Jack had physical,
occupational, and speech-language therapy after the stroke.
"My dad’s had some awesome speech-language pathologists that
have made a big difference in helping him communicate," added
Marissa.
Jack’s family first learned about UMAP from one of Marissa’s
professors who recommended exploring the program. (Marissa
changed her major after her dad had a stroke. Marissa attended
speech-language therapy sessions with him and decided that she
wanted to focus her career in speech-language pathology).
When asked about UMAP, Jack responded by saying, "I think you
have to try it."
"I think Jack’s doing great," said Diane. "Our biggest
obstacle when Jack comes home will be to get him out among people
and join in conversation.
"At UMAP, he was continually talking and participating in
conversation," she said. "We hope to get Jack involved in some
volunteer programs where he will be able to communicate with
others.
"UMAP has given Jack the confidence he needs to be more open in
conversation."
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