The National Aphasia Association and American Stroke Association have collaborated to create a new free, personalized, downloadable aphasia ID card. This is a wonderful resource for letting other people know that you have aphasia (family, friends, or even the local librarian or Starbucks barista) and to support your communication with them. Although we hope this is never the case, it can also be helpful in an emergency situation.
This new aphasia identification card is customizable with your name and emergency contact information.
The card includes a brief description of aphasia:
Aphasia is a language disorder that makes is hard to talk or understand what people say. It can affect reading, writing, listening, and speaking. It doesn’t affect intelligence.
The aphasia ID card also includes tips for the communication partner to help the person with aphasia:
- Speak slowly and use short sentences.
- Ask me yes/no questions.
- Use drawing/writing/gestures.
- Give me time to respond.
Once you’ve filled out your information, download the card and print it out. You may even want to laminate it if possible! (*life hack for those of us who don’t have a laminator: put some clear packing tape on both sides!). Keep the card in your wallet or purse so you’ll have it with you as needed.
There are some other free, printable aphasia ID cards available as well:
- Situational Aphasia Wallet Cards from Integrative Reconnective Aphasia Therapy
- Personalized Wallet Card from Aphasia Recovery Connection
- Aphasia Identification Card from The Aphasia Center
And of course, you could always make your own low-tech personalized aphasia ID card by cutting out a piece of paper or cardstock and writing key personal and aphasia information on it.
Check out this blog post to learn about more local and online aphasia resources. And, visit our Resources Page for recommended websites, books, and videos related to aphasia.
Have you or your clients used an aphasia ID card? If so, which one do you prefer and recommend? Do you or your clients prefer a medical ID bracelet or necklace over an aphasia ID card? Did you know you can also set up a Medical ID on your iPhone? How do you best communicate that you have aphasia, and advocate for yourself or your care partner? Let me know in the comments!