Virtual Connections Member Policies

Welcome! We are glad you are joining us.

Please review our guidelines to ensure a great experience for all.

Registering, Attending, Enrolling, & Unenrolling:

• Please check your calendar and ONLY register for sessions you are committed to attending.  
• If the session is full, you cannot be added to it. Please check the schedule in upcoming weeks as most sessions are recurring. Our team cannot enroll you if the session is full. 
• Please try to unenroll from a session if you are unable to attend. 

Attending a Session:

• Try to log on at least 5 minutes before the session starts.
• You will be placed in a “waiting room” prior to the start.
• If you experience technical difficulties joining a session, please review the tutorial videos on our help page, or give us a call Monday through Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. ET at (888) 274-2742, option 7. Our aphasia-friendly staff can help you join the session.

Background Noise and Distractions:

Microphones are very sensitive — If you can hear it, we can hear it!

• Log into the session from a quiet location.  
• Turn off all televisions, music, etc.
• If the location you are logging in from is not quiet, please keep your microphone muted.
• Silence your cell phone and try not to take any phone calls during the session. Emergencies only.
• If you have a pet that starts to make noise or family members that begin talking around you, please mute your microphone.
• Avoid logging in to a session when you’re outside, in the car, or moving around as it is distracting to the group.

Session Etiquette:

• Virtual Connections is not speech therapy. Our sessions are conversation and support groups.
• Be patient with each other. Do not rush other members.
• Be kind and respectful of thoughts, ideas, feelings, and experiences.
• “Share the Air.” – Give everyone a chance to participate. Do not monopolize the conversation.
• Do not perpetuate or engage in controversial topics, including but not limited to: politics, religion, finances, controversial current events, etc.

Caregivers/Support Persons:

The following policies apply when caregivers are attending sessions with their loved one with aphasia.

• Caregivers are welcome to provide support to the person with aphasia by sitting with them to help with communication and participation. Your role is to support, not participate directly in the session.
• The person with aphasia should be the one on camera. Caregivers should sit off to the side as a support person. 
• Sessions for people with aphasia require the person with aphasia to attend. Caregivers are not allowed to observe alone unless attending a caregiver-specific session.
• If the facilitator speaks to the person with aphasia, do not respond for them. Allow the trained facilitator to try to engage the person with aphasia and help them communicate first.