When you think of “research,” you probably picture a wizened Albert Einstein-looking scientist wearing a lab coat and furiously scribbling his latest findings in a notebook. …but research looks a whole lot different here at Lingraphica. Instead of lab coats and overly sterile waiting rooms, you’ll find our product research team — led by speech-language pathologist, Dr. Shawnise Carter — conducting user testing with alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) users, their care partners, and speech-language pathologists. So what inspired two years of interviewing AAC users, multiple d ..read more

Though the general population of the United States isn’t necessarily aware of it, aphasia is relatively common. It is estimated that 2 million people in the U.S. live with aphasia, so it might not be surprising to learn that some famous celebrities have lived with aphasia. Their stories, like so many of the aphasia stories we hear, are full of inspiration in difficult times. Read on to learn about four celebrities and their unique experiences with aphasia. Emilia Clarke English actress Emilia Clarke starred in the culture-consuming HBO show “Game of Thrones” as Daenerys Targaryen. In 2019 ..read more

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Have you or a loved one noticed changes in your speech since you were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD)? You’re not alone. Nearly 90% of people with Parkinson’s experience speech and voice changes. [1] That’s a tremendous impact – especially since there are more than 10 million people worldwide living with PD. [2] Fortunately, there are research-backed ways to help you improve your communication abilities – no matter what effect Parkinson’s has on your speech or voice. What speech changes are common with Parkinson’s disease? If you have Parkinson’s disease, you may notice that: Your ..read more

Every November since 2000, organizations around the world make or renew a pledge for International Fraud Awareness Week to increase fraud awareness in their workplaces and communities. So this International Fraud Awareness Week, we’d like to offer some valuable tips on how to protect yourself from fraud and keep your health information secure. In 2022, consumers reported losing nearly $8.8 billion due to scams and fraud according to a release by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Despite the prevalence of scams targeting younger individuals, it’s noteworthy that those aged 60 and above oft ..read more

It’s that time of the year once again — people around the nation are making their Election Day plans. On Tuesday, November 11, Americans will head to the polls to cast their votes and exercise their constitutional rights. Some of those people will have aphasia or other speech or language conditions. Disability can profoundly affect one’s ability to participate in essential elements of democratic practice, such as voting. Approximately 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. has a disability. This group of Americans faces some of the greatest barriers to voting in our elections. In 2020, more than 11% of v ..read more

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices are varied and powerful tools that can help people with certain speech and/or language impairments communicate. But for prospective AAC device users, the thought of relying on technology can sometimes be intimidating, despite all the benefits they can provide. One of the primary concerns device users have is how others might interact with them. AAC device etiquette doesn’t have to be overly complicated. At its core, communicating with an AAC device user is no different than communicating with a non-device user. Good communication of an ..read more

Communication devices are simple yet powerful tools that can help remove communication barriers and allow individuals with speech-related conditions to participate in life in ways that matter to them. Here are nine common signs that you or a loved one might benefit from a communication device. Find out if you’d benefit from a device! Take the Quiz 1. You have difficulty engaging in conversation with new people Meeting new people can often take us out of our comfort zones. When a person has a speech-related condition, leaving familiar territory can amplify their symptoms. A communication ..read more

Lingraphica joins the thousands of those in our community who are mourning the loss of aphasia pioneer and legend Audrey Holland. Audrey’s accomplishments and contributions to the field of aphasia cannot be understated. Her whole-person approach to aphasia revolutionized treatment, influencing mainstream care and improving countless lives. Audrey was an absolute authority on aphasia. And while one was always aware that they were in special company, she never made you feel as if you were in the presence of anything other than a friend. As we reflect on her legacy, we’d like to share some pers ..read more

At Lingraphica, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment within the broader healthcare community. By acknowledging the disparities experienced by marginalized communities and encouraging healthcare professionals to consider the broader factors impacting health outcomes, we are striving for a more inclusive and patient-centered approach to care. Our on-demand course Equity in Healthcare: Be the Change, developed in collaboration with Dr. Treasyri Williams Wood, aims to equip healthcare professionals with a deeper understanding of the disparities in healthcare as well a ..read more