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Posted by Dan Nonte, University Relations
Contact: (336) 334-4314
Posted 6-10-09
GREENSBORO, N.C. — Although a million people in the U.S. are believed to suffer from aphasia, roughly 40 percent have no contact with other aphasics. Caused by brain trauma, most often stroke, aphasia can impair speech, comprehension of speech, writing and reading.
In order to help aphasics and their families and friends deal with the communication disorder and the social isolation it often causes, the UNCG Speech and Hearing Program at the North Campus of Gateway University Research Park hosts an aphasia support group, which meets 4-5 p.m. on the second Monday of each month. The meetings are free and open to the public.
“With many aphasics, a big part of the problem they face is social isolation, because they can’t communicate like they used to,” said Sena Crutchley, a speech-language pathologist and the support group facilitator. “They lose relationships, because families and friends no longer know how to communicate with them.”
At the support group’s next meeting, July 13, graduate students in the UNCG Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders will speak about low-tech and high-tech options for alternative communication.
The North Campus of Gateway University Research Park is located at 5900 Summit Ave., Browns Summit, near Bryan Park. For directions or other information, call Crutchley at (336) 217-5120.