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Robert

Robert Dalrymple, member, Headway

Audio quote from Robert

'My name is Robert Dalrymple and in February '99 I had a stroke. It's a brain stem haemorrhage.

'I cannot speak well. I speak loud. I have difficulty with people understanding what I say. It is always better if I speak slowly. If I rush, my words are all jumbled up and nobody can understand me. So that's a big problem.

'It can really be awful difficult. Ask me to repeat it and just don't go ahead and say "yes". Because if they say they understand and they don't, I can tell when they don't understand me.

'So I prefer it if you ask me to repeat it, I don't mind saying it again and again.

'I think the best thing is that they appreciate that it is difficult for me to talk and they need to give me time to speak. That would be the best thing.'

Question: 'Do you use any particular types of aids?'

'Not to speak, no.

'I need large print or audio is better. I cannot write very well. My handwriting is not very good either.'

Question: 'Do you prefer to work in one-to-one situations?'

'Yes, definitely.

'I like taking part in a group. But because I only have hearing in my right ear, I sometimes cannot make out what is being said and it has to be repeated to me again so I can hear the questions and then I can answer appropriately.

'I do not like facing a bright light or the sun. I prefer to have the light at my back.

'I have a job speaking on the phone, because I find that people on the phone sometimes do not understand what I'm saying. And they think I'm drunk!'

Question: 'What do you want people to bear in mind that would help you in those situations?'

'I think people should just ask if there is anything wrong with you. But that is difficult I know, because it might embarrass people. But I think I prefer it.

'Just don't ignore me. Just keep listening. It is much appreciated. My speech is alright if I take my time and I cannot speak low. I have to speak high all the time.

'But I don't think there's anything really so long as they appreciate the way I am.'