The Aphasia Mentors Program is a community-based program, providing opportunities for People with Aphasia (PWA) in the community to participate in the education of BC’s future healthcare professionals.
Please note that the Program is now full, any referrals received on/after January 10 2024 will be waitlisted
Aphasia is an acquired communication disorder that can affect a person’s ability to speak, understand spoken language, read and/or write. Aphasia does not affect a person’s intelligence, but can mask a person’s inherent competence. Aphasia can have a significant negative impact on a person’s social and emotional well-being, with PWA at a greater risk for social isolation.
Program Objectives
- To enrich the education of speech-language pathology and audiology students as well as those in other health professions through their interactions with people with aphasia (PWA) as mentors. Students are taught supportive communication techniques and learn to be group facilitators.
- To enhance the quality of life for people with aphasia through engagement in meaningful activities associated with mentoring, advocacy and special interest groups.
LPAA-focused Program Objective
To support members’ participation in a conversation group setting, creating access by reducing environmental barriers through providing and modeling supported communication techniques , which may generalize to daily life. Personal factors are incorporated into the themes of the groups, and ongoing support will be provided to members to encourage development of a positive sense of self, reveal their identities and increase confidence.