The APW defines perceptual disorders according to the Affolter Model® (Affolter, 1987) and promotes research as well as further education and training in this field. The APW was founded in 1975 and is committed to improving the quality of life of people with perceptual disorders.
The APW is the leading organization for professional work with the Affolter Model®, a concept for the promotion and support of people with perceptual disorders. It pursues an interdisciplinary approach that brings together specialists from various fields. It also offers a strong network for exchanges between those affected, relatives and professionals.
The Executive Board meets at regular intervals. It deals with all matters relating to the Affolter Model® and coordinates the Event dates. It organizes its own information events and coordinates others in cooperation with others. Individual Board members represent the concerns of the APW and those affected in various specialist groups.
"The APW is important for providing a platform for those affected and specialists. That is why I am committed to a diverse and vibrant organization."
"As a speech therapist specializing in perceptual disorders, I experience every day how central guided interaction is for development and communication. The APW offers me opportunities for further training and a committed network that enriches my work and effectively supports those affected."
"Affolter therapy supports me in my daily work and helps my clients to improve their perceptual organization. I am involved in the board to guarantee quality assurance and support the dissemination of the model."
"I am involved in the Board of Directors to support the important work of the association from a legal perspective so that it can concentrate on its core tasks."
"Qualifying as an Affolter therapist and senior instructor has given me new perspectives as an educator in dealing with those affected. Passing on this knowledge and ensuring the quality of the work in the APW are important to me."
"The Affolter Model® enables me to better understand people with brain injuries and their learning abilities in everyday life. I am involved with the APW so that I can pass on my experience to others under the best possible conditions."
"My most important concern is to help relatives and those affected to cope with everyday life with less stress. The APW network is a great help here."
Department descriptions
- Coordination of communication between volunteers and professionals
- Determining the «policy» of the APW in cooperation with the other departments
- Making decisions and representing APW
- Supporting and monitoring the implementation of the therapeutic principles of the model for all areas
- Building a sustainable network of specialists
- Further development of the Affolter Model® in practice and theory (scientific work)
- Professional discussion with other therapeutic approaches
- Coordination of practice and research
- Presentation of the Affolter Model® to the various target groups
- Representation of the concept "externally" (advertisements, media work, course announcements, logo)
- Representing the concerns of people with sensory impairments and/or autism to the outside world
- Representing and implementing the rights of APW vis-à-vis third parties
- Legal recognition of the model by third parties, thereby improving the integration of people with sensory impairments
- Review of contracts and documents binding for APW
- Developing a concept to secure long-term financial resources for the APW association and its tasks
- Establishing sustainable partnerships with organizations and institutions that support the APW association both ideally and financially
- Presentation of the social benefits of the Affolter Model® for the purpose of innovative contacts with financial sources
- Creation of an infrastructure so that relatives can articulate their concerns and bring them up for discussion in the APW association (the Board member as a mouthpiece for relatives)
- Development and implementation of ideas for working with relatives
- Contact point for problems of relatives
- Drawing up a financial plan for the APW Association in accordance with the requirements of the various departments and the available funds
- Preparation of the current budget, processing of supplementary credits
- Preparing the invoice and annual financial statements
- Creation of an infrastructure for therapists to articulate their concerns and bring them up for discussion in the APW association (the board member as a mouthpiece for therapists)
- Development and implementation of ideas for therapist work
- Implementation of teaching for all areas of life
- Bringing practical experience with the Affolter Model® to the Board of Directors and putting forward ideas for discussion
