[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”147″ css_animation=”top-to-bottom” border_color=”grey” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”500×620″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][ultimate_heading heading_tag=”h1″ alignment=”left” spacer=”no_spacer” spacer_position=”top” spacer_img_width=”48″ line_style=”solid” line_height=”1″ line_color=”#333333″ icon_type=”selector” icon_size=”32″ icon_style=”none” icon_color_border=”#333333″ icon_border_size=”1″ icon_border_radius=”500″ icon_border_spacing=”50″ img_width=”48″ line_icon_fixer=”10″ main_heading_color=”#8224e3″ sub_heading_style=”font-style:italic;” sub_heading_font_size=”48″ sub_heading_color=”#666666″ sub_heading_line_height=”72″ main_heading=”“The gifts that came out of my strokes have taken on a life of their own. My artwork is my passion. I’m so proud that my cards are available across Canada.”” main_heading_style=”font-style:italic;” main_heading_font_size=”48″ main_heading_line_height=”72″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][ultimate_heading main_heading=”PACE Consumer” heading_tag=”h2″ alignment=”left” spacer=”no_spacer” spacer_position=”top” spacer_img_width=”48″ line_style=”solid” line_height=”1″ line_color=”#333333″ icon_type=”selector” icon_size=”32″ icon_style=”none” icon_color_border=”#333333″ icon_border_size=”1″ icon_border_radius=”500″ icon_border_spacing=”50″ img_width=”48″ line_icon_fixer=”10″]
Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Day Programs
[/ultimate_heading][vc_column_text]Raven ran her own business and was a dance instructor for over 33 years. In 2010, she suffered multiple strokes which kept herin hospital and rehab forfive months – learning to walk and read again.During this time,Raven discovered “doodling” as a means of entertainment. Her friends encouraged her new pastime by bringing her art supplies. She quickly transformed her“doodles” into gifts for her fellow patients. Raven describes her artwork as “the gifts that came from my strokes”.
Raven has aphasia and as a result, she actively participates in a computer program at PACE’s Learning Network for people living with an acquired brain injury (ABI). She has been involved with PACE for the past four years.
Raven’s entrepreneurial spirit continues as she has created an online business selling her three colouring books and over sixty different greeting cards.
Despite the ongoing challenges that Raven faces, she has a positive outlook that keeps her going with a desire to fulfill another part of her journey. She sees things as “another stepping stone on her path” and she recognizes that it is empowering to have people to help along the way to fulfilling dreams.
How has PACE had an impact on your life?
Computer skills’ learning is critical for Raven and PACE is helping her with this. To have these learning options is very supporting to Raven. She describes them as “transformative” as they give her an opportunity to keep growing.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Describe someone who inspires (d) you and why?
For Raven, it was her Chilean dance instructor that she met when she was 19 years old. At that time, Raven was very shy and withdrawn. The instructor saw the talent that Raven had and asked her to teach a two-hour class. With no previous teaching experience, Raven seized the opportunity and the rest was history as this was how her dance instructing began.
What is Raven most passionate about?
“The gifts that came out of my strokes have taken on a life of their own. My artwork is my passion. I’m so proud that my cards are available across Canada.”
When Raven has time for herself – what does she like to do?
Enjoy art and nature. She used to do a lot of drumming – but, that is currently on hold. And she used to sing. One day she would love to record a CD.
If PACE was a person – what words would you use to describe PACE?
Innovative, creative, motivating, desirable.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1445720703243{padding: 15px !important;background-color: #d8d8d8 !important;}”]What Is Aphasia?
Aphasia is an acquired disorder caused by an injury to the brain and affects a person’s ability to communicate. It is most often the result of stroke or head injury. An individual with aphasia may experience difficulty expressing themselves when speaking, difficulty understanding the speech of others, and difficulty reading and writing. Sadly, aphasia can mask a person’s intelligence and ability to communicate feelings, thoughts and emotions.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]Source:
PACE Annual Report 2014 – 2015[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]