Volunteers sought for online aphasia communication group
Participants are being sought for an online aphasia communication group as part of a research project being led by Judy Walker, an associate professor of communication sciences and disorders at the University of Maine.
The project aims to determine if people with aphasia — a disruption in the ability to communicate typically caused by a stroke — can benefit from participation in an online communication group.
Participants will use their home computers and a secure video conferencing system to meet with others who have aphasia for 1.5 hours per week for 12 weeks.
Those who participate will be asked to complete language tests and answer questions about their friendships and emotions. Testing will take place before the first group meeting, at the end of the 12 weeks, and three months later. Each testing session will take about 1.5 to two hours.
To be in the study, you must have aphasia; normal or corrected hearing and vision; no history of alcohol or substance abuse; a computer, laptop and/or tablet; high-speed Internet access; and a companion to attend each online meeting.
For more information, contact Walker at 581.2003 or judy.perkins.walker@umit.maine.edu. All participants will receive free language screenings.