PlainPlate
PlainPlate is a simplified, aphasia-friendly digital menu tool designed to support more accessible dining experiences for individuals with aphasia, cognitive-communication challenges, stroke, brain injury, or other neurological conditions. The platform aims to reduce overwhelm by presenting cleaner, easier-to-read menu information with a modern, user-friendly design that supports independence and participation during meals and social outings.
Created by a speech-language pathologist and Aphasia Ambassador, PlainPlate was designed with real-world communication accessibility in mind and may be useful for individuals, families, caregivers, and clinicians supporting adults with communication challenges.
About the Creator:
Mari Gottlieb, M.A., CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist, owner of Sanitas Speech Therapy, and National Aphasia Association Aphasia Ambassador. She has worked with adults with aphasia, Parkinson’s disease, cognitive-communication disorders, and other neurologic communication challenges across outpatient rehabilitation, community programs, and private practice settings. Her clinical approach emphasizes functional communication, participation, and helping people remain engaged in the activities that matter most to them.
PlainPlate was inspired by a National Aphasia Association conversation in which individuals living with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) described the challenges of navigating restaurant menus. Drawing on her experience as an SLP and her interest in communication accessibility, Mari created PlainPlate to help reduce barriers during dining experiences and support greater independence, confidence, and social participation for people living with aphasia and other communication challenges.
