In the second episode of Start the Chat, we explore aphasia and how AAC can support people living with this condition.

Chris and Melanie speak with Michael, who uses AAC part-time after it helped him through rehabilitation following a stroke. Now known as his “buddy”, AAC is a tool Michael uses when he needs it, supporting both his communication and his memory.

The episode also features insights from Speech and Language Therapists and Smartbox Content Team members Daisy and Eva, who discuss the development of a dedicated aphasia vocabulary for Grid users. They explain why designing with both the AAC user and their communication partner in mind is essential - and how this thinking led to the name Aphasia Duo.

Find more information here: thinksmartbox.com/aphasia-duo/

To learn more about USS AAC Speaker Connection visit: www.ussaac.org/aac-speaker-connection/