HSU Aphasia Group Supports Community One Word at a Time

June is National Aphasia Awareness Month, highlighting a condition that affects an estimated two million Americans, but remains widely unknown and misunderstood.

“Aphasia is an acquired disorder of the brain that affects language: listening, speaking, reading, and writing,” said Christine Sanchez, professor of Speech-Language Pathology at Hardin-Simmons University. Most often caused by stroke, aphasia impacts communication, but not intelligence.

“It can be really hard because people judge you on your speech,” Sanchez said. “If you can’t speak fluently or correctly, they assume lower intelligence and that’s not true of aphasia.”

For Jim Lee, one of Sanchez’s current clients, that challenge is deeply personal.

“My mind is smart, but I can’t say it,” Lee said. “Everything is in my mind, but I can’t say it. I hate it.”

At HSU, Sanchez and her students are working to change that through the university’s aphasia group, which meets each fall and spring. The program focuses on helping individuals recover vital skills and reconnect with everyday life through their sessions.

“It’s meant to meet clients where they are and help them participate in life activities again,” Sanchez said. “It’s a space where they are supported in their language and can have fun.”

Participants take part in activities like games, cooking, and more, all designed to encourage communication in a supportive environment.

Lee, who had a stroke in April and could only say one word at that time, said the journey has been difficult, but also transformative.

“For months, I couldn’t talk. I only think in my mind… that’s sad and frustrating,” he said. “Yeah, it’s hard, but I have to do the hard work because I like to talk.”

…this becomes their community.

The program also supports care partners—parents, spouses, loved ones—offering a space to share experiences and learn strategies together.

“They help each other navigate life with aphasia,” Sanchez said. “For some, this becomes their community.”

Student clinicians also play a key role, sharing communication strategies and tools with care partners throughout the semester.

Sanchez hopes National Aphasia Awareness Month will encourage greater understanding and more local involvement. While many public spaces are physically accessible, communication barriers remain.

“We don’t have language accessibility in the same way,” she said. “Learning how to communicate with people with aphasia can make a huge difference.”

When asked what Mrs. Sanchez and the group meant to Lee, he responded holding back tears, “She saved my life. If I didn’t find this group, I would give up.”

All HSU aphasia services are free, and no evaluation is required to join the group. Both the HSU aphasia group and Care Partner support group meet on Tuesdays from 2 p.m.-3 p.m. at the Houston-Lantrip Center Speech-Language Clinic during the fall and spring semesters.

With no other aphasia groups in Abilene, Sanchez says spreading the word is critical.

“People just don’t know about it,” she said. “We want them to know they’re welcome.”

The group resumes in September. Those interested can contact Mrs. Sanchez by simply calling 325-670-1841 or emailing christine.sanchez@hsutx.edu.