At the Adler Aphasia Center, we recognize how challenging communication in healthcare settings can be for people with aphasia and the professionals who support them.
Communication Made Easier
As part of our advocacy, education, and training efforts, we have created resources that promote supported communication and improve interaction outcomes.
These free materials were created in partnership with our speech-language pathologists, individuals living with aphasia, and nursing students from Ramapo College.
3 Free Tools
Here are 3 free communication tools to help support you and your patients with aphasia. Please provide your contact information below, and then click to download your 3 free tools!
Communication Supports for Healthcare Professionals
A visual support tool designed to help you share care-related information with people with aphasia.
Aphasia Education Supports
A visual support tool to help you explain the diagnosis of aphasia clearly, simply, and respectfully to someone who has it.
Bedside Communication Support Sign
A concise, one-page guide designed to support effective communication with patients who have aphasia. The sign is intended to be completed collaboratively by a member of the healthcare team, the person with aphasia, and the family, if available. The sign is posted in the patient’s room. When members of the care team enter the room, they can quickly reference the sign for practical strategies to facilitate successful communication.
When using supports, remember these key strategies:
Address the patient in a respectful, adult manner
Simplify your message (use short phrases, one idea at a time)
Support with visuals (point, gesture, and write)
Check to make sure the patient has understood the information
For guidance on using your free tools, please watch the videos below.