University of Nebraska Lincoln

Aphasia Community Partners is a volunteer organization run by the Barkley Speech Language Hearing Clinic on UNL’s East campus. Our mission is to connect individuals with aphasia to individuals in the community to enhance social involvement and understanding of the strengths of individuals with aphasia.

What is Aphasia? Aphasia is an acquired communication disorder that impairs a person’s ability to process language but does not affect intelligence. Aphasia impairs the ability to speak and understand others.

We are looking for people who would be willing to meet approximately once a week with a person with aphasia. Your role as a communication partner would be to assist people with aphasia to engage in social activities and help showcase their strengths.

The idea behind this program is that these will turn into long-term, meaningful relationships. We are looking for people who have a long term interest in assisting people with communication difficulties. Reimbursement for costs associated with activities is possible.

The Barkley Center requires a background check and a brief training session be completed prior to participation in the program.