Normally, in this blog, I stick to topics that revolve around the challenges faced by people who have lost or are losing their ability to communicate through speech. As the creator of APP2Speak, a speech app, I usually prefer to “stay in my lane.” However, there are...

People may lose their ability to speak for many reasons—a stroke, a traumatic brain injury, a disease such as Parkinson’s or ALS, or age-related cognitive decline (among many others). But while all of these events are tragic, not all of them necessarily lead to the...

Dysarthria Definition Dysarthria is a condition that occurs when the muscles you use for speech are weak or you have difficulty controlling them. It often causes slurred or slow speech that can be difficult for others to understand. Other symptoms may include uneven...

In my work as a Speech Language Pathologist and in my role as the creator of the AAC app, APP2Speak, I encounter many tragic stories—people who have had strokes, brain injuries, or radical surgeries that have affected their lives in profound ways. One Tragedy that...

“Is it okay to feel like this?” “I've been doing this for a long time. I love them, but I just need a break.” “What's wrong with me? Am I a terrible person for feeling this way?” If you have a family member or a friend with a disability and they rely on you to help...

With a growing aging population, there are many more people now living with challenging chronic conditions that may require the services offered in long-term residential care homes. Many of the patients in these facilities struggle with communication disorders...

As a Speech Pathologist for more than 38 years, I've experienced the joy of my patients' successes. I've also experienced the frustration many patients feel when they don’t get the help they need in a timely manner. The following true story is an example of both of...

Your friend or loved one has just suffered a stroke or brain injury. Somebody in a white coat has told you the person you care about now has aphasia. You gather from their explanation that your loved one will most likely have difficulty communicating, but you’re not...

When your life's mission pays off, it's a feeling like no other. I had one of those "mission affirming moments” a few years ago. I met a wonderful family at an assistive technology conference and expo. The mother and father, who are both hearing-impaired, explained to...