Friends of Aphasia

Friends of Aphasia is dedicated to truly changing the lives of individuals and families living with aphasia through comprehensive aphasia services and community education. Friends of Aphasia is the only organization in Arizona that provides accessible, community-based aphasia services, and one of only a handful of similar organizations across the entire United States.

Aphasia is the loss of the ability to speak, understand, read, or write due to a stroke or other injury to the brain. More than 2,000,000 Americans suffer from aphasia, but, sadly, nearly 84% of Americans have never heard of aphasia or are unsure of what it is.

We know that with appropriate treatment, great strides can be made to improve the quality of life for those living with aphasia. Through improved communication skills, people can regain their self-confidence and their ability to participate actively in our community and beyond.

Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who is living with aphasia, co-founded Friends of Aphasia in 2018 to increase the resources available to others living with this life-changing disorder. Friends of Aphasia's goal is to continue providing high-quality, affordable aphasia services as well as promoting aphasia awareness and promoting innovative aphasia treatment research.

We currently run our Aphasia Group in-person program Mondays and Wednesdays for three hours each and one and half hours of virtual aphasia groups on Wednesdays. These groups are the foundation of the services we provide. Our funding priority is the sustainability and expansion of this program. We aim to expand both the number and types of aphasia groups offered as funding allows.

Testimonials

"I've found my people!" - Marc, an aphasia group member during his first visit to Friends of Aphasia

"Two thumbs up. It was a wonderful program led by two amazing, knowledgeable people who taught us so much and kept our minds at ease and positivity up." - Ami, daughter of a program participant

"Friends of Aphasia educated our family on aphasia while providing crucial tools to promote growth for everyone." - Kit, daughter of a program participant