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June is National Aphasia Awareness month! Join us in our Aphasia advocacy by participating in our Aphasia Treatment and Advocacy Calendar. We have provided an advocacy activity or communication challenge for each day of the month. Follow along with us on social media for daily reminders, or visit our website for the full month of activities!
Several amazing PWA volunteered their time and stories to create an Aphasia Awareness Video Series for National Aphasia Awareness Month. Join us as we discuss, What is Aphasia?, What does recovery look like?, and How do you advocate?.
Also, be sure to check back at the end of June for more individual advocacy projects and videos!
The Importance of Aphasia Advocacy: Perspectives from our Aphasia Caretakers
Advocating for Aphasia Awareness is extremely important. It is crucial for family members and professionals to get involved with Aphasia advocacy, especially early on when it might be particularly challenging for the person with Aphasia to advocate for themselves. For National Aphasia Awareness month, we reached out to some of our caregivers to ask how they advocate for their loved ones with Aphasia.
A Students’ Perspective on Caregiver Involvement in Therapy Sessions
One of our students from Duquesne University, Justine Ballou, reflects on her time at I.R. Aphasia Therapy during her spring semester, and the impact of involving caregivers into therapy sessions during virtual speech and language therapy.
We recently launched a flexible 4-week INTENSIVE, ONLINE program, allowing for client input onintensity level and frequency of sessions. Our ONLINE format allows for lower program costs, as well as relaxed criterion for physical independence. Those who are interested in participating can learn more here, or apply directly on our website.
“Working outside of the workbook” is not a paper and pen workbook. It provides you with step-by-step instructions on how to implement interactive therapy. We have also provided step-by-step examples of how someone with Aphasia might respond, and ways to cue and as well as ways to make the task easier or more difficult.
I was given the chance to be interviewed by Mike Capuzzi on an episode of "The Main Street Author Podcast". I had the opportunity to share information and education about Aphasia and Apraxia, and discussed my recently published book, "After Aphasia."
Researchers from the University of Nevada are conducting an online interview study about growth and resilienceafter Aphasia. Watch the video for more information about how you can participate!
National Aphasia Association: The NAA provides Aphasia-friendly resources, articles about Aphasia, and a database to search for therapy and group services in your area.
Aphasia Recovery Connection: An online community that provides support and online group chats and classes for both PWA and Care Partners.
Triangle Aphasia Project Unlimited: A non-profit organization that provides online resources and free online group classes for their clients.
Aphasia Software Finder: A website that aims to help people with Aphasia find apps and software that may be useful to them.
The Aphasia Center: Caregiver stories to provide support and "meet" other families that may be going through similar situations.
R.E.S.C.U.E.: Resources and Education for Stroke Caregivers to help them better care for their loved ones and themselves.
Aphasia Simulations: Provides simulations for what it may feel like to have Aphasia.
