Brain Buddy for Aphasia

Brain Buddy serves people who have aphasia. Aphasia is an acquired neurologic language processing disorder that creates challenges with communication when speaking, writing, reading and understanding what others say. Because language and communication are so vital to social interaction, many people with aphasia report feelings of isolation and depression. In addition, family members typically have never met anyone with aphasia besides their loved one.

Brain Buddy strives to address these emotional/social sequelae by organizing monthly “aphasia friendly” activities for survivors and their families. “Aphasia friendly” events are those in which people with communication challenges can fully participate. We want our participants to recognize that they can still do things they may have enjoyed before and to try new activities that they may want to pursue. People are more likely to engage in social interactions when they have something to talk about. So, we plan our events so that they encourage conversation and social connections. Of equal importance, our monthly events allow family members to fully participate and not just be there to “assist.” We want family members to experience having fun with their loved one, to meet other people with aphasia and their families, and to have the opportunity to learn from each other.