The University of Michigan Aphasia Program (UMAP) makes a difference in peoples’ lives. Because of this, the University of Michigan Stories of Our State series chose to feature UMAP, showcasing the impact our program can have on not just the person with aphasia, but their whole family.
Excerpt from the story:
Imagine having a word or phrase on the tip of your tongue, but you’re unable to say it. And when you can speak, the words come out jumbled or incoherent.
That’s the situation that Theron Coleman and other individuals faced with aphasia—a communication disorder that makes it challenging to string sentences together and to express thoughts easily. The Lake Leelanau resident suffered a stroke years ago that led to his aphasia, and he now travels to the University of Michigan Aphasia Program (UMAP) for intensive therapy.
Nearly 2 million people nationwide have aphasia, which occurs after a stroke, head injury, tumor or other illness. They find it difficult to speak, read, write or comprehend language in the ways they once did.
Carol Persad, Ph.D., Director of University Center for Language and Literacy (UCLL)
“People have difficulty forming simple thoughts,” said Carol Persad, director of the University Center for Language and Literacy. “They are still bright individuals. They just can’t access language anymore.”
Check out the full story and a great video here: