'How can you help" business card

I will whip out an iPhone and my "What is aphasia" PDF in the iBooks app.  But, the person is non-technology or not wearing reading glasses.  Oh well... the drawing board.     

What about writing and reading?  I think, bigger words are crucial.  

Tips about going to restaurants

I’m going to share some TIPS about going out to Restaurants.

1. Pick a Good Restaurant for aphasia.

a. I use Yelp website for good food, noise level and out seating.

b. I use Google maps for popular times and good food.

I may go when it is not too busy. I don’t like loud restaurants.

2. Before I go to the restaurant, I finds the menu online – and I practice before they go...confident in my ordering.

3. I should ask the hostess, "what is the quiet table?"

4. I also use earplugs.

I like musical earplugs.  I take them when I go.

If it is too loud – I use the earplugs.

Google "Musical Ear Plugs" or check for my blog - here

4. I say to the server,  "I have a speech problem with aphasia." It's helpful.  The server is patient - here

5. Cheryl had a tip from a person with aphasia. 

When he went to a fast food restaurant and could not talk, he used a laser pointer, like lecturers use.

He pointed to the giant wall to place his order.

6.  An individual is one handed.  Many people with aphasia have right hand is not working. 

A friend discreetly asks the server to have the staff cut the meat before they bring it to the table

7.  When you are dining with friends and family, show them the “How you can help?" paper or PDF smartphone - here

9.  I used a tip calculator app.  I like this because a tip percentage and split it.

Don’t let aphasia stop you from going out.

Find ways to adapt.

Get out.

Have fun.

"I have aphasia." letter

I had a stroke 9 years ago. 

I was forty-three years old and I was working for Apple as an AppleCare Project Manager.

I live in a 2 story apartment.  One day, I was getting ready for work when my right side became weak.  

My phone was downstairs and I couldn't reach it.  So, I waited for help for 5 hours.

My co-worker, Alberto was wondering what happened to me.  He decided to come to my place.

Alberto saw my car and knew that I was home and that something was wrong.  He kicked the door down found me then called 9-1-1. 

The ambulance took me to Good Samaritan Hospital. 

I was diagnosed with aphasia, apraxia and an auditory processing disorder. 

I stayed 1 week then I was transferred to Mission Oaks Hospital for rehab.

My college friend, Karen is a speech therapist.  She talks with family and friends about aphasia.  My friends are patient and help me.  My friends know my intelligence is intact. I like that!

Some of their friends don't understand aphasia. They are clueless.  

Please forward this email to family and friends to help them understand aphasia. It will give them tips and try these aphasia simulations to learn what it might be like to have aphasia. 

I'm fine with you editing, deleting or adding at "I have aphasia" letter.

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Dear Family & friends,

I have aphasia.  What is aphasia?  Good question.

Aphasia is a language disorder that can affect speaking, reading, writing and understanding.  Common causes of aphasia are a stroke, brain tumors or surgery, brain infections or neurological diseases.

No two people are ever exactly alike and there are various forms of aphasia. Aphasia is an invisible disability that affects language.  


Judgment and intellect are intact.  

Very crucial!! To help you can be patient and wait for a response.  Resist the urge to finish their sentences or offer words.  Wait.  Offer suggestions when I ask.

Include the person with aphasia in activities and conversation.

There are key things in a small or a big group:

• With big parties limit loud background noise. I understand parties are loud, but it does make it difficult to speak. 

• When it is too loud to speak either ask yes/no questions, show pictures to communicate, or play games that don't require speaking. My blog for game ideas is here. 

• When visiting me or someone with aphasia no more than 4 people.

Here are videos and handouts about aphasia:   


The purpose of these aphasia simulations is to provide some activities that can help you understand what it might be like to have aphasia:  here

"How to Speak with Someone After an Aphasia" Video: https://youtu.be/jw949zkoeYE

Children's video - The Treasure Hunt:  https://youtu.be/Gq12cMUZPg4

The Treasure Hunt image

Tips for speaking with people with aphasia PDF here

Tips for speaking with people with aphasia image

GPS Navigator

I use a GPS navigator in my car to help me, or to help someone who is driving me, to navigate. It is hard for me to express "left" or "right" to my driver, so a GPS can say it for me. 

These devices are available in many new cars, or there are portable ones available in many electronic stores or on Amazon.

Reusable produce bags

It is difficult to use the plastic produce bags in the grocery store, so I found some small cotton draw-string bags. I can easily shop for produce with one hand.  Not only are the bags easy to use, they are re-useable and environmentally friendly. They come in different sizes. Find them at Amazon.

CamelBak Bottle with Bite Valve

I found these CamelBak bottles very easy to use.  Even though I only can use one hand, I can open and close them using my teeth on the plastic handle.  This helps when I am filling and emptying the bottle.

Here is more about the product:

Amazon Product Description:  The CamelBak Better Bottle represents a new standard of performance and convenience in re-usable water bottles. Available in multiple colors and in three sizes--1 liter, 0.75 liter, and 0.5 liter--this innovative bottle is also BPA- and Phthalate-free. The bottle's integrated handle makes it easy to carry with the crook of a finger or clip to a backpack with a carabiner. CamelBak's Big Bite Valve offers a proven design that contains no moving parts--just bite and sip for easy hydration. The cap fits most other bottles and the Better Bottle attaches to most water filters and fits in most cup holders. It's dishwasher safe.

Amazon sells these, please follow this link:  here

Tutto luggage

For a person with one hand this luggage work great.  I recently went on a trip to Seattle and was able to manage without any assistance from anybody else.  It's easy to pack and get into and with the handle it makes moving it a breeze.  


The website for Tutto luggage:  here

Here's a video on how the luggage works:  Operating Tutto video

Sling Backpack

Because I have use of only one of my arms I found that regular bags or purses didn't work for me.  Instead I use this sling back pack.  It holds everything I need and is easy for me to get into.  


This versatile sling pack can be worn on your left or right shoulder by just adjusting the strap for the perfect fit.


Some manufacturers are:  Eddie Bauer, Under Armour and Nike.

Amazon sells these, please follow this link: here.

Sling Pack

Musical Ear Plugs

I found I was having problems hearing in restaurants. The background noise can be overwhelming.  A friend from my Stroke Support group recommended these special ear plugs that musician's wear during concerts.  They work great and I now take them everywhere I go.

To purchase these try the following links:  Guitar Center or  Amazon here.

This link has information on how the earplugs work:  understanding earplugs