Aphasia, a speech-language disorder that can affect all aspects of communication — speaking, reading, writing, comprehension, etc. — is more common than previously understood. Acquired when the brain experiences trauma like that of a stroke or head injury, more than 2 million people in the U.S. are thought to have the disorder; yet, it's not something most people are aware of. It can be incredibly isolating, which is why staying social and connected is especially important.

The University of Michigan Aphasia Program (UMAP) at the University Center for Language and Literacy (UCLL), hosts a free, virtual aphasia social hour each week to help facilitate social connecting while practicing communication skills.

All aphasia social hours in January are scheduled for 4 - 5 p.m. Thursdays (Eastern) and will take on the following topics:

*Jan. 14 - Resolve to participate in this session all about — you guessed it — resolutions. Love them? Hate them? Have a funny story about past resolutions? Bring it on.

*Jan. 21 - Hometown Proud! Share about where you’re from or where you now live! Bring maps, photos, and brag (or complain!) about that place where you were brought up.

*Jan. 28 - For us in Michigan, wintertime can mean hunker-time, as in hunker down until spring. But it doesn't have to. As the Nordic people say, "there is no such thing as bad weather, only poor preparation." We're not sure about all that, but come ready to share how you stay active in the winter months, either outdoors or indoors.

Registration is required in order to get the link to join. See: https://umich.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwlc-qhpjoqGNRqaI3Fepl8dswAWsS6SwuV

When you click the link to register, you can select which weeks you want to participate — all in one place. Sign up for them all to make sure you don't miss out on connecting with others in the aphasia community. Building confidence and staying social are some of the best things you can do for yourself and loved ones when aphasia is a part of your life.