Our long-running Aphasia Threads series was the inspiration for this simple project bringing together people with aphasia, caregivers, and professionals around a question: Why are you a part of the aphasia community, and what do you get out of connecting with others through the NAA?

 

We shared posts throughout Aphasia Awareness Month weaving together all three viewpoints with a bonus contribution from board members. These thoughts below all come from professionals who work with people who have aphasia.

Question: Why are you a part of the aphasia community, and what do you get out of connecting with others through the NAA?

  • I think you provide a wealth of information to PWA and their families. It provides a support system beyond what I can provide.—Lynn G, SLP
  • I connect with the NAA to be a part of the amazing aphasia community. NAA keeps me informed and provides incredibly valuable resources that I learn from and then share with individuals with aphasia, caregivers, students, SLPs, and other medical professionals. Being a part of the NAA helps individuals with aphasia and their families who are interested in aphasia research more easily connect with me and vice versa.—Elizabeth B. Madden, PhD, CCC-SLP, Director of the Florida State University Aphasia Research Laboratory
  • I work as an SLP in Poland where the therapy for PWA looks different. That’s why I like NAA and group therapy which are not popular in my country.—Izabela
  • It is a resource I share with clients and healthcare professionals, especially in my training programs on aphasia and related topics, especially for caregiver support. Outstanding information in many areas.—Kathryn K, Communication Connection
  • I enjoy that the NAA supports people with aphasia, their families, and clinicians. As a private practice SLP working with adults with aphasia, I find it easy to direct my clients to the information pages, aphasia chats, and resource guides. SLPs are connectors! We bridge the gap between information and life application and the NAA makes that simple.—Marie, speech-language pathologist and owner of Madison Speech Therapy
  • I prioritized connections with NAA because of its dedication to serving individuals with aphasia. The NAA and my private practice, Neuro Speech Connections, both emphasize the importance of person first, diagnosis send philosophy, and believe communication is a basic human right for those living with aphasia.—Christine, SLP and owner of Neuro Speech Connections
  • The National Aphasia Association gives our members resources (i.e. ID card, activities, website resources, support, etc.) to live successfully with aphasia and also provides a connection to other friends with aphasia as well as communication partners. Community and support are integral to our friends with aphasia. It provides a common ground for communication, understanding, and friendship. At the Brooks Rehabilitation Aphasia Center, we love to join in on NAA zoom groups, read articles about our friends, and see all the amazing accomplishments that people with aphasia have achieved. We are thankful to be a part of such a close community and we are blessed to have an organization that continues to advocate for and celebrate people with aphasia. —Brooks Rehabilitation Aphasia Center
  • The NAA is a wonderful resource for people with aphasia, their family and community, and clinicians like myself. It has helped me connect with people near and far within the aphasia community.—Katherine, co-owner of Lotus Speech & Wellness, LLC
  • I find valuable resources, ideas, and support from NAA. I appreciate the printable information posters and other tools that I can use as handouts and therapy items with my patients and their caregivers.—Cecelia, Speech Pathologist
  • NAA consistently and intentionally focuses its energies on improving the quality of life for individuals with aphasia and their families. Reliable information is CRITICAL for decision-making, goal setting, and gaining perspective on living with aphasia. NAA provides that. I am proud to be a small entity in this profoundly aware community.—Tammy Cranfill
  • To learn more about aphasia, aphasia management, and to understand the caregiver’s concern.—Mayka, Speech Language Pathologist in the Philippines
  • I connect with NAA as a provider for persons with aphasia. I seek to ensure the patients I work with have access to and knowledge of resources that will help them learn about their diagnosis, treat it proactively, and continue to be active participants in life.—Devon B.
  • Alaskans with aphasia need improved access to speech-language pathology services. As I build programs to better serve Alaskans with aphasia, I am thrilled to have NAA resources and to have our information posted so that we can be found by the people who need us most.—Dr. Karen Gallagher, UAA SLP Program Director
  • I get an awesome resource I can share with some of my favorite patients… those navigating through the new diagnosis of aphasia, and slowly figuring out how aphasia impacts their life in the long term. I particularly appreciate the aphasia cafe, as I see the importance in the people I work with understanding they are not alone. Connecting, networking, and socializing via zoom has been good for all.—Amy W., a seasoned SLP
  • I love the NAA’s website and all of the messages/information this association provides to professionals and people with aphasia. The association does a great job delivering its message to so many people! From Facebook posts to short videos, all are very well done. As an SLP and professional that works in an aphasia research lab, it’s great to have the NAA as a resource. Aphasia Awareness is so important for so many people! Thank you for your work!—Emily, Research Associate with the Purdue Aphasia Lab/Group; Speech-Language Pathologist
  • I get to learn about people with aphasia and their caregivers’ experience, learn about new research and evidence and important events. All this information will shape me into a better and more informed professional.—Valentina, final year student speech pathologist
  • I’ve been working with people with aphasia for more than 20 years, and all that time I’ve followed NAA’s work. You set an example and have been a rich source of ideas. I always get inspired by your drive, commitment, and continuous effort.—Paola Gonzalez Lazaro, Afasia Contacto, México
  • Fresh ideas to use working with people with aphasia—Schla
  • I want to help my aphasia patients better—Rhi
  • Continuous inspiration on how to support people with aphasia as much as possible.—Lauren L
  • For education—Joyce Q.