Aphasia impacts people differently. Depending on the severity, some people may be non-verbal. However, UMAP’s aphasia clients learn first-hand that there are other ways they can communicate with their family and friends. Using gestures, writing, and a pocket communication book, which includes pictures and words, can be as effective as verbal communication.

“We train caregivers to do facilitated conversation with their loved ones,” said Maria Wyche, senior speech-language pathologist. “We focus on giving caregivers techniques and strategies to maximize their loved ones’ communication in a conversation.”

Client Mack Zeigler, 68, of Prosperity, S.C., had a stroke in 2004. He participated in two UMAP six-week sessions in 2006 and 2008. Although he is not able to speak, Mack is able to communicate effectively with his wife, Joyce, by using gestures plus the communication book.

“There are so many ways to communicate that we don’t always consider,” said Joyce Zeigler. “The communication book is very helpful. Mack uses it all the time. We update it daily to reflect our activities. During Mack’s last visit to UMAP, we learned to have a conversation on paper. It is just incredible.

“It is so important to keep trying,” she said. “Mack continues to make progress. I encourage people with aphasia and their loved ones to be patient and have hope. Mack and I have faith that more progress is in his future. We take it a day at a time and look forward to each day.”

“It is amazing when we see clients being able to have a conversation with their loved one — sometimes for the first time in years,” added Maria Wyche.