Ware, MA (December 23, 2011) - A Conversation Group for people with aphasia will begin meeting at Baystate Mary Lane Hospital in January.   The group will provide a supportive meeting place for people with aphasia to socialize and share their communication challenges and strategies. 

“Aphasia is difficulty or loss in communication, usually the result of stroke or brain injury,” said Natalie D. Powers, MS, CCC-SLP, Speech Therapist.   This group may be helpful to you if you or a family member have difficulty communicating, following a stroke, head injury, or other neurological problem.

Meetings will take place the 2nd Wednesday of every month from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm in the Rehabilitation Department located at the hospital; the first meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 11. 

Natalie D. Powers, MS, CCC-SLP provides evaluation and treatment of cognitive-linguistic disorders, as well as dysphagia, speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders.   She is a member of the rehabilitation team at Baystate Mary Lane Hospital which includes physical therapists, occupational therapist, speech/language/swallowing pathologist, and audiologists. The Rehab team provides a full range of services to help patients regain function and achieve recovery.

There is no charge for participation. Individuals with aphasia and their family members and caregivers are welcome to attend.  For more information or to register for the Aphasia Conversation Group call Baystate Rehabilitation at Mary Lane Hospital at 413-967-2180.