Aphasia Community Groups
Meet Jose: Healing Through Conversation & Connection
groups, book clubs, film discussion groups, aphasia advocacy groups, an aphasia choir and supported volunteer opportunities. In FY25, a new, ongoing Spanish conversation group was established as well. Programs run on a weekly basis and are facilitated by speech-language pathologists and trained volunteers. In FY25, the aphasia community groups provided enriching activities for 131 participants from 16 states. In addition, participants performed 325 hours of service to local nonprofit organizations. To celebrate National Aphasia Awareness Month, the Center hosted a series of special events, including our annual June Aphasia Day, which highlighted the use of technology to support communication. We also welcomed author Janet Skeslien Charles for a virtual visit to discuss “The Paris Library,” a featured book club selection.
635 sessions 131 participants
Wednesdays and Thursdays are Jose’s favorite days of the week. That’s when he participates in our aphasia conversation groups. The topics may sound simple — weekend plans, a favorite TV show, a recent vacation. Most people would call it small talk. But, for someone who has lost the ability to communicate due to post-stroke aphasia, there is no such thing as small talk. Every word is a victory. Every conversation is meaningful. In 2022, Jose was at his home in Chicago’s western suburbs when he fell and couldn’t get up — or speak. The 41-year-old had a stroke and spent a week in acute care before participating in intensive physical, occupational and speech therapy at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s Arlington Heights DayRehab Center ® . The stroke left Jose with many physical challenges, but losing his ability to speak and express himself hurt the most. His wife, Sandra, recalled, “He couldn’t tell us what he needed or how he felt. Doctor appointments were especially difficult. He would get frustrated when he couldn’t explain what was wrong or answer questions. It broke my heart to see him try so hard.” Jose had to start over — relearning to speak, read and write in both English and Spanish. Through patience, hard work and family support, he slowly regained his voice and his confidence. Our aphasia community groups have played a key role, especially the conversation groups. Jose has found a supportive space where he feels safe and accepted. He also has made meaningful
Aphasia is a condition that can occur suddenly after a stroke or brain injury and impacts a person’s ability to speak, to understand language and to read and write. Communication opportunities for people living with aphasia are crucial, enabling them to maintain social connections, participate in their community, express their needs and thoughts, and maintain a sense of dignity and quality of life. The Center for Aphasia Research and Treatment offers programs that give participants the opportunity to practice communication, meet others living with aphasia, learn and have fun in a supportive
Thank you for helping people like Jose rebuild confidence, rediscover joy and reclaim their voices.
environment. In-person and virtual programming includes conversation
connections with his peers. “Without Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, I wouldn’t have the chance to make new friends,” he said. He enjoys discussing cars, sports and his hobbies — crafting, photography and building model cars. The small talk that most people take for granted offers a vital connection for him. “These groups have given him more than just speech practice,” said Sandra. “They’ve given him hope, friendship, confidence and a reason to smile again. Every session reminds him that he’s not alone and that recovery is possible.”
20 Quality-of-life Programs
Quality-of-life Programs 21
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