Aphasia is a communication disorder resulting from brain injury. In a previous blog post, “Speech Therapy for Aphasia,” I wrote about what causes aphasia, what aphasia is like, and how speech therapy can help people with aphasia. In today’s post, I would like to share information about available virtual aphasia conversation groups and events. Specifically, I will highlight the National Aphasia Association and their online events for people with aphasia. I am also excited to announce my new role as Virtual Coordinator with the National Aphasia Association!
The National Aphasia Association (NAA)
The National Aphasia Association is a nonprofit organization. Their mission is “to promote public awareness and understanding of aphasia, to promote research that aims to improve the lives of people with aphasia, and to provide support to all persons with aphasia and their caregivers.” On their website, you’ll find:
- Educational information about aphasia
- A directory of NAA Affiliates around the United States (visit the Lotus Speech & Wellness Affiliate page here)
- A calendar of virtual events
- Aphasia programs and camps
- A blog about aphasia
- And so many more resources and helpful materials
Virtual Aphasia Conversation Groups
The NAA offers a number of online events for people with aphasia, caregivers, and professionals who work with people with aphasia. These events can be found on their “Online Events” page on their website. When you first go to the Online Events page, you’ll see a calendar which shows a monthly schedule of virtual events. To give you a sense of the current offerings, here’s what’s on the calendar for October:
- Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation for People with Aphasia
- Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) Chat
- Black American Aphasia Conversation Group
- Game Show Group
- Managing the Impact of Stress, Anxiety, Frustration, and Mental Health on Speaking and Swallowing
- Ask the Expert with Maura Silverman, MS, CCC-SLP
- Professionals with Aphasia Connect
- Aphasia and Wellness (*This is my group! Click here to learn more.)
How to Participate in NAA Online Events
You can sign up for the NAA online conversation groups and other events by clicking the event on the calendar, which will bring up a description and link to more information and the sign-up page. Or, if you scroll down past the calendar, you’ll see descriptions of each group and a link to sign up. All groups meet on Zoom.
As mentioned above, I am now supporting the NAA not only by being an Affiliate and leading the Aphasia and Wellness conversation group, but also by serving as their Virtual Coordinator. If you have questions about the NAA’s virtual conversation groups, would like to attend a group, or would like to learn more about leading your own group through the NAA, please email me. My NAA email address is: katherine@aphasia.org.
Online aphasia conversation groups are a wonderful way for people across the country to connect, converse, and form meaningful relationships from the comfort of their home. I hope you will take advantage of these programs and spread the word to others who might be interested!