Purpose & Productivity

Returning to Work

For individuals who want to return to their previous career, explore a new job, or understand workplace accommodations.

Potential resources:

• Returning to work after aphasia 
• Workplace communication strategies 
• ADA and employment rights 
• Vocational rehabilitation 
• Success stories 
• Employer resources 

Volunteering and Giving Back

Meaningful opportunities to stay engaged and make a difference.

Ideas:

• NAA volunteer opportunities 
• Community organizations 
• Peer support 
• Local advocacy 
• Virtual volunteer roles 

Advocacy

Using your voice to create change.

This would naturally connect to:

• NAA Ambassador Program
• Speaking Out Conference
• State proclamations
• Awareness campaigns
• Legislative advocacy
• Storytelling opportunities

Creativity and the Arts

Purpose can come through creativity.

Examples:

• Art
• Music
• Writing
• Photography
• Theatre
• Crafts
• Creative expression stories

Education and Lifelong Learning

Learning doesn’t stop after aphasia.

Resources might include:

• College accommodations  / Adult education
• Online learning
• Community classes
• Health education
• Technology training

Mentoring Others

People with aphasia often become incredible mentors.

Examples:

• Visiting support groups / hospitals
• Peer mentoring
• Joining NAA Speaker Connections
• Becoming an Ambassador

New Careers and Entrepreneurship

Not everyone returns to the same career.

Include topics like:

• Starting over
• Self-employment / Consulting
• Flexible work
• Part-time employment
• Passion projects

Share Your Story

Purpose, Possibility & Life After Aphasia

Every journey with aphasia is different.

For some people, returning to work becomes part of that journey. Others discover new purpose through volunteering, advocacy, creative pursuits, family, education, or community involvement.

The National Aphasia Association invites people living with aphasia to share their experiences so others can learn, find encouragement, and discover new possibilities.

There is no “right” story. We welcome stories about:

• Returning to work
• Exploring a new career
• Volunteering
• Advocacy and community leadership
• Creative passions
• Retirement with purpose
• Finding meaning in everyday life
• Challenges, successes, and lessons learned

Your story may help someone else who is wondering, “What comes next?”

Stories may be submitted as:

• Written essays
• Short videos
• Audio recordings
• Interviews with the NAA team

If you’re not sure where to begin, consider these questions:

• What did your life look like before aphasia?
• How has  aphasia changed your daily life?
• How have you found purpose after aphasia?
• What challenges have  you faced?
• What helped you move forward?
• Do you have advice to offer someone beginning their own journey?

Every story matters.

Together, we can help others see that while life after aphasia may be different, it can still be meaningful, purposeful, and fulfilling.

Ready to share your story?

Complete our online submission form or contact the National Aphasia Association to learn more.