The University of Arkansas Speech and Hearing Clinic has formed the Fayetteville Aphasia Support Group, which will hold its first meeting at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6, at the Epley Center for Health Professions, 606 N. Razorback Road, Fayetteville.

Refreshments will be provided. Those interested are asked to sign up on the clinic website.

Meetings will be held the first Tuesday of each month, following the university schedule.

Aphasia is usually caused by a stroke or traumatic injury to the brain, according to the National Aphasia Association. The ability to communicate is affected depending on the type of aphasia, including speaking, understanding the speech of others, reading, writing, gesturing and using numbers.

Graduate students of the U of A speech-language pathology program, under supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist, will lead the meetings. They will provide attendees with the opportunity to engage in communication experiences; share personal anecdotes, frustrations, and triumphs; and, assist others in achieving their goals. The University of Arkansas Speech and Hearing Clinic will strive to provide information about aphasia, increase public awareness of aphasia, and serve as a support and advocacy group. 

The University of Arkansas Speech and Hearing Clinic is a registered affiliate of the National Aphasia Association. The mission of the National Aphasia Association is to promote public awareness and understanding of aphasia and provide support to people with aphasia and their caregivers.

The National Aphasia Association envisions a society in which aphasia is a commonly understood word and where everyone with aphasia, regardless of individual differences, their families, health professionals, and the public have access to appropriate education and resources that would enhance their potential for an acceptable quality of life.

The Fayetteville chapter is committed to protecting the privacy of all group members.