This month, join the U-M Aphasia Program (UMAP) for some fun and engaging conversations during the weekly aphasia social hour. The virtual, online social hours are hosted weekly at 4 p.m. (Eastern) each Thursday. They are free, but you must register to get a personalized link to join. NOTE: We are switching to once-a-month aphasia social hours in May.
This month we explore the following topics:
- April 1 – Tax Law and International Maritime Regulations: An Ocean of Information.
Just kidding! Let’s talk all things Foolish during April Fool’s Day – are you a prankster? Can’t get enough of that Whoopee cushion? Or do you hate pranks? Has aphasia affected your sense of humor? Let’s talk about it. - April 8 – The Joy of Pets: Animals can often provide comfort and love to us in a way people can’t. They can be goofy or somber, they can make us have to get outside of ourselves. Let’s talk about your pets and why you love them. Share pictures, funny stories, and the names of the pets you have had in your life.
- April 15 – Summertime Funtime! What are your plans for this summer? Are you hitting the road? Planting so many tomatoes? Have a list of things you want to do? Tell us all about it.
- April 22 – Advocating and Educating: Aphasia affects a lot of people, as you well know. But why isn’t it more understood? What should people know about it? How can we all be advocates and educate others about what aphasia is? What should we think about doing for Aphasia Awareness Month in June?
- April 29 – Surviving and Thriving: How are you surviving the pandemic? Have you picked up any new hobbies? Share some of your positive and negative experiences.
When you register, you have the option to sign up for them all or just the weeks you’d like to join in. The social hours provide a much needed-chance to relate and meet 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.
What to Expect
Each social hour is typically 45-65 minutes long and includes interaction with others with aphasia as well as care partners. It’s a great way to stay social and to practice communication skills in a low-pressure setting. The social hours are free and voluntary sessions, and are not therapy or offered in place of therapy.
New to Zoom or Online Teleconferencing?
Check out our Aphasia-friendly guide to using online meeting software: UMAP’s Guide to Joining Zoom from a Computer
About the U-M Aphasia Program and UCLL
The University Center for Language and Literacy (UCLL) is committed to helping people of all ages find meaningful ways to communicate. UCLL is part of the Mary A. Rackham Institute (MARI) at the University of Michigan. MARI provides high-quality, individualized mental health, neuropsychological testing, and language and literacy services to the community through its service centers, including UCLL, University Center for the Child and Family (UCCF), and University Psychological Clinic.