Member Spotlight
Come join our fellow VC member, Ray Magnus, as he shares his inspirational aphasia story and the lessons he has learned along this aphasia journey. You won’t want to miss this motivational session! FACILITATOR(S): Katie Strong
Come join our fellow VC member, Ray Magnus, as he shares his inspirational aphasia story and the lessons he has learned along this aphasia journey. You won’t want to miss this motivational session! FACILITATOR(S): Katie Strong
Join this session to talk about your holiday plans, celebrate the story of Hanukkah, and listen to holiday songs! We hope to see you there!! FACILITATOR(S): Rachel Lyons
Si hablas español y te interesa aprender sobre diferentes culturas, idiomas, y países, este es el grupo para usted! Hablamos de culturas mundiales. Los temas incluyen la comida, la ropa, las fiestas, los sitios famosos, y más. Todos son bienvenidos. Esta sesión se realiza en español. FACILITATOR(S): Irene Williams
Writing and texting are great ways to gather your thoughts and get your point across. Let’s practice our writing skills to improve communication. Get your pen and paper, keyboards or smartphones ready! FACILITATOR(S): Nundini Patel
This new monthly club is for members who use a Lingraphica communication device. These sessions will focus on helping you learn how to use your device better and incorporate it into your day-to-day activities. Care-partners are encouraged to join us! ***This session is not for technical support. If you are having trouble with your Lingraphica Device, please…
hablemos de nuestras vacaciones y nuestras bebidas favoritas! FACILITADORA(S): Maria Gallego y Rosanna Duran
Share running stories and photos, encourage each other, and learn the many benefits of running. All running levels welcome- including those who haven’t started running yet but are just curious! FACILITATOR(S): Allie Reed
Join to talk with others in the LGBTQ+ community about their experiences and identities. A safe space for all! FACILITATOR(S): Carly Millanski & Danielle Millanski
***This session is for families living with Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA).*** Join the Nova Southeastern graduate students: We’ll discuss how communication changes with PPA and ways to support conversation as PPA evolves. Participants will be encouraged to share ideas and experiences. Group leaders will provide examples & strategies. What is PPA? Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) is a condition that results from damage to areas of…
Let's get together to discuss different make-up brands, application tips, tools, and skin care! FACILITATOR(S): Melanie Baez
Follow along to activate and strengthen your muscles in a seated or standing workout. All levels are welcome, feel free to have light weights or bands for an extra challenge! FACILITATOR(S): Larissa Shahin
In this song-filled session, we will listen to popular American music throughout the decades. You’ll have the chance to flex your music trivia muscles by naming the tune, guessing the composer, and even learn little-known facts about the various artists and songs. Along the way, we will also get to know more about each other…
How about a song and a dance? We will watch our favorite performers in some of the most captivating scenes and musical numbers from the great movie-musicals, starting with the 1930s to modern day. Includes trivia! FACILITATOR(S): Christina Rivera
Come learn basic sentences in French and talk in French. This session is for people with some knowledge of the French language. FACILITATOR(S): Wendy Cook
Want to meet others with aphasia and practice your speech in a small group? These sessions give you a chance to meet others with aphasia from around the world. If you struggle to get the words out, please bring whatever strategies you are using to support your communication. FACILITATOR(S): Carol Dow- Richards
Follow along to activate and strengthen your muscles in a seated or standing workout. All levels are welcome, feel free to have light weights or bands for an extra challenge! FACILITATOR(S): Larissa Shahin
Join us while we make traditional hot chocolate, Christmas Punch, and Mulled Cider. Bring your favorite holiday drink or snack recipes! FACILITATOR: Randi Dirnberger
Sing Aphasia is a community-based organization that offers music programs for individuals with aphasia and their families. Join Dr. Gillian Velmer to sing some familiar songs and test your musical knowledge. Easy to read lyrics will be displayed on the screen so you can join in. FACILITATOR(S): Dr. Gillian Velmer
***A session for people living with aphasia for 3 years or more after your stroke to chat about all kinds of interesting topics*** Let’s talk about identity: You are more than your aphasia: Share about your life BEFORE Aphasia. Who were you? Your world of work, your hobbies, your likes and dislikes. How has your life changed? FACILITATOR(S): Dr. Glenn Goldblum & Barb Meyer
Everyday Math for People with Aphasia Play games with other people with aphasia to help rebuild basic math skills! Join Allie Reed (SLP), Dr. Tami Brancamp (SLP), and David Brancamp (Math Expert) to work on counting, adding, subtracting, etc. Please bring a deck of cards and two dice, if you have them! FACILITATOR(S): Allie Reed ,…
***This session is for members who have had aphasia for less than 2 years.*** Are you NEW to aphasia? Join this Open Chat session where you can meet others with aphasia who are in a similar stage of recovery as you. If you struggle to get words out, please bring whatever strategies you are using to…
Si hablas español y te interesa aprender sobre diferentes culturas, idiomas, y países, este es el grupo para usted! Hablamos de culturas mundiales. Los temas incluyen la comida, la ropa, las fiestas, los sitios famosos, y más. Todos son bienvenidos. Esta sesión se realiza en español. FACILITADORA(S): : Irene Williams
Come join a fellow friend with aphasia, James Farrell, as he shares his inspirational aphasia story and the lessons he has learned along this aphasia journey. You won’t want to miss this motivational session! FACILITATOR(S): Katie Strong
Come Together and Twist and Shout to the Fab 4! Join us from all Across The Universe as we listen to music, share our favorite Beatles songs, and learn something fun about the greatest band of all time! We can Let It Be one of the best sessions on Virtual Connections! Help! us to have some…
***This session is designed for members who need extra communication support. Mini Chat sessions will only be 30 minutes in length.*** Join this session to share about your pets. We will introduce our pets and share pictures. We hope to see you there! FACILTIATOR(S): Teresa Thompson
Living with aphasia can be incredibly challenging. Let's set some goals to have more aphasia success in 2024! FACILITATOR(S): Allie Reed
***This session is for military veterans only.*** Join Veteran Joe to have an open discussion and introduce new members. Share with the group and get to know other Veterans with Aphasia. FACILITATOR(S): Joseph Martin
Do you enjoy painting, ceramics, knitting, quilting, and more? Is it something you are trying to pick-up again after your aphasia, or maybe a new hobby you want to explore? Concerned about only having one-hand to use? Then come join this fun, creative group where we will share current projects, as well as tips and…
Want to meet others with aphasia and practice your speech in a small group? These sessions give you a chance to meet others with aphasia from around the world. If you struggle to get the words out, please bring whatever strategies you are using to support your communication. FACILITATOR(S): Carol Dow-Richards
***This session is for YOUNG SURVIVORS, AGES 19-40 ONLY.*** Join other young people with aphasia for fun group activities and lots of conversation! Members will be encouraged to help guide the topic of conversation and engage with each other. FACILITATOR(S): Ann Blau
Want to meet others with aphasia and practice your speech in a small group? These sessions give you a chance to meet others with aphasia from around the world. If you struggle to get the words out, please bring whatever strategies you are using to support your communication. FACILITATOR(S): Carol Dow- Richards
Ho, Ho, Ho! Merry Christmas! Join this session to celebrate the holiday with your aphasia family. FACILITATOR(S): Carol Dow-Richards
Aphasia, apraxia, dysarthria...what does that all mean??? Interested in learning more about the brain, strokes, and aphasia? Join this session hosted by a speech therapist to learn more! Bring your questions! FACILITATOR(S): Allie Reed
***This session is for couples- both the person with aphasia and partner should be in attendance.*** Calling all couples! Has your relationship changed since aphasia moved in? Is your communication different now? Has your connection and intimacy been impacted? Do you miss who you used to be? If you answered "yes" to any of these…
Writing poetry after aphasia can be very therapeutic! Join speech therapist Dr. Bri and Mark for this session all about expressing yourself and your aphasia journey through poetry. Participants will be given writing assignments and encouraged to share their poetry with the group. Those interested in learning how to write poetry are welcome to join us…
***This session is for military veterans only.*** Join Veteran Joe to have an open discussion and introduce new members. Share with the group and get to know other Veterans with Aphasia. FACILITATOR(S): Joseph Martin
Share running stories and photos, encourage each other, and learn the many benefits of running. All running levels welcome- including those who haven’t started running yet but are just curious! FACILITATOR(S): Allie Reed
Join in some fun conversation. I will pose some questions to help get us talking. Example: What celebrity would you like to meet? FACILITATOR(S): Barb Meyer
Let's look back on another year of Virtual Connections. How is it going? What improvements can we make? Join this session to provide feedback about our program! FACILITATOR(S): Allie Reed
Virtual Connections is the only international aphasia support program of its kind. Something that makes VC unique is how we bring together people with aphasia from all over the world! Wherever you live in the world, join this session to connect with others living with aphasia! FACILITATOR(S): Sarah Gundy
***How care PARTners can plan for 2024.*** Join Abbe Simon SLP and integrative health coach. She will offer a discussion for care PARTners to create intentions for the new year. You will focus on your person with aphasia AND most importantly yourself. Bring your lunch or cup of coffee. FACILITATOR(S): Abbe Simon
3...2...1... HAPPY NEW YEAR! Let's bring in the new year together! In this session we'll celebrate wins from 2023, chat about hopes for 2024, and spend time together as an aphasia family. Pop the champagne, it's almost 2024! FACILITATOR: Allie Reed
In Hawaii, “talk story” is a Pidgin English term we use when talking with friends, sharing ideas and getting to know each other. Let’s sit back and relax with each other. Bring your favorite drink as we “slow down” and share time together. FACILITATOR(S): Brandi Merryman
***This session is for women only.*** Join us to practice casual conversation with other women with aphasia in small groups. If you struggle to get words out, please bring whatever strategies you are using to support your communication. Come and meet others with aphasia! FACILITATOR(S): Carol Dow-Richards
Want to meet others with aphasia and practice your speech in a small group? These sessions give you a chance to meet others with aphasia from around the world. If you struggle to get the words out, please bring whatever strategies you are using to support your communication. FACILITATOR(S): Carol Dow- Richards
Let's celebrate New Year's 2024! We will reflect on 2023 and the moments we cherish and remember. (Bring pictures if you’d like!) We’ll share a toast (bring a cold drink) with our friends and chat about moving forward in 2024. It is a new year, a new beginning, and we will start it out with…
There are SO many tools that people with aphasia can use to communicate! Communication boards, picture dictionaries, white boards, AAC devices, photo cards, apps, and MORE! Let's get together to chat about the tools you can use for communication success! FACILITATOR(S): Allie Reed
***This session is FOR MEN ONLY.*** Join us to practice casual conversation with other men with aphasia in small groups. If you struggle to get words out, please bring whatever strategies you are using to support your communication. Come and meet others with aphasia! FACILITATOR(S): Carol Dow-Richards
Writing and texting are great ways to gather your thoughts and get your point across. Let’s practice our writing skills to improve communication. Get your pen and paper, keyboards or smartphones ready! FACILITATOR(S): Nundini Patel
***This is a closed group*** This monthly team meeting is for the VC superstars who have completed all 8 of the Pathways Webinar Series. Want to be invited to this group? Join us for the next Pathways Series and complete all 8 webinars! FACILITATOR(S): Allie Reed
2024 is here! What would you like to focus on this year? Let's set a word of the year. This word will help to keep you focused and on track for your goals. Maybe your word is PRACTICE. Maybe your word is GRACE. Maybe your word is HOPE. Let's get together and chat in this…
***This group is for CarePartners or caregivers of people living with aphasia that is getting worse.*** Join Dr. Lea Kaploun and the Nova students to discuss life as a CarePartner to a loved one with PPA. While some difficulties are similar to those seen in people who have aphasia after a stroke, people facing worsening communication…
No two people with aphasia are exactly alike. In this open chat style session, you will be able to share your journey of being diagnosed with and living with aphasia, and be able to hear from others too. Join us! FACILITATOR(S): Allie Reed
Join Dr. Lea Kaploun and the Nova students for this weekly session all about finding the positive in each and every day of your aphasia journey. Living with aphasia can reveal your inner spark of strengths and talents you never thought you had. Come join our conversation, where we learn from each other, lean on each other, and share our gifts! FACILITATOR(S): Dr. Lea Kaploun
***This session is for military veterans only.*** Join Veteran Joe to have an open discussion and introduce new members. Share with the group and get to know other Veterans with Aphasia. FACILITATOR(S): Joseph Martin
Relax and unwind with some meditation and mindful breathing techniques. Learn how to practice mindful breathing in your everyday routine. FACILITATOR(S): Michael Shemesh
Come learn basic vocabulary in French. This session is for people with no knowledge or little knowledge of the French language. FACILITATOR(S): Wendy Cook
Follow along to activate and strengthen your muscles in a seated or standing workout. All levels are welcome, feel free to have light weights or bands for an extra challenge! FACILITATOR(S): Larissa Shahin
***This session is for Survivors of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). This session is not intended for stroke survivors.*** Recovery and aphasia after a Traumatic Brain Injury can be very different from that of a stroke. Join us to meet other TBI survivors and to chat about the ways in which your lives have changed following your TBI, the obstacles you’ve encountered, and the lessons you’ve learned. We’ll continue chatting on coming to terms with, and accepting living differently with an altered identity post TBI. Please…
Follow along to activate and strengthen your muscles in a seated or standing workout. All levels are welcome, feel free to have light weights or bands for an extra challenge! FACILITATOR(S): Larissa Shahin
Come tune into empowering songs with SLP Dr. Brooke Hallowell and Dr. Jim Latimer on guitar. We will sing songs selected by people with aphasia to boost our spirits and get us charged up to live fully. No singing expertise needed. Every voice counts! FACILITATOR(S): Dr. Brooke Hallowell
Aphasia, apraxia, dysarthria...what does that all mean??? Interested in learning more about the brain, strokes, and aphasia? Join this session hosted by a speech therapist to learn more! Bring your questions! FACILITATOR(S): Allie Reed
Please join Melissa Edrich and the Nova students to continue our discussion about Broadway. Let’s chat about all your favorite Broadway shows and also learn about some new ones. Don’t “wait in the wings” and sign up for this entertaining session! FACILITATOR(S): Melissa Edrich
***This session is for CAREGIVERS ONLY.*** Join Dr. Lea Kaploun and the Nova students to discuss how life has changed. Life as a CarePartner for someone with aphasia brings gifts and challenges, and the journey ahead can be deeply meaningful. You don’t need to travel this road alone; we can serve as your circle of…
Si hablas español y te interesa aprender sobre diferentes culturas, idiomas, y países, este es el grupo para usted! Hablamos de culturas mundiales. Los temas incluyen la comida, la ropa, las fiestas, los sitios famosos, y más. Todos son bienvenidos. Esta sesión se realiza en español. FACILITADORA(S): Irene Williams
Writing and texting are great ways to gather your thoughts and get your point across. Let’s practice our writing skills to improve communication. Get your pen and paper, keyboards or smartphones ready! FACILITATOR(S): Nundini Patel
Hablemos de nuestras vacaciones y nuestras bebidas favoritas! FACILITADORA(S): Maria Gallego y Rosanna Duran
Share running stories and photos, encourage each other, and learn the many benefits of running. All running levels welcome- including those who haven’t started running yet but are just curious! FACILITATOR(S): Allie Reed
Join to talk with others in the LGBTQ+ community about their experiences and identities. A safe space for all! FACILITATOR(S): Carly Millanski & Danielle Millanski
Once aphasia is in the mix, it can be difficult to connect with young children. Let's brainstorm activities and strategies that can create connections. We will practice and prepare language specific to activities based on the input and interests of the group members. The discussions will be geared towards younger children, but we will be happy…
Everyday Math for People with Aphasia Play games with other people with aphasia to help rebuild basic math skills! Join Allie Reed (SLP), Dr. Tami Brancamp (SLP), and David Brancamp (Math Expert) to work on counting, adding, subtracting, etc. Please bring a deck of cards and two dice, if you have them! FACILITATOR(S): Allie Reed,…
Let's get together to discuss different make-up brands, application tips, tools, and skin care! FACILITATOR(S): Melanie Baez
This is a support group for people with aphasia who are parenting young children or teenagers. Join us to talk about the joys and challenges of raising children. You can connect with other parents, share stories, and learn from each other’s mistakes. CarePartners are welcome to attend. FACILITATOR(S): Veronica Brown