Philadelphia (May 2002)— Magee Rehabilitation Hospital’s Aphasia Support Group will receive the first annual Aphasia Advocacy Community Group Award from the National Aphasia Association at the NAA Speaking Out Luncheon in Washington, D.C. on Friday, June 7 at noon.

The award is designed to publicly recognize an aphasia community group that has been an active voice for aphasia. Magee’s Aphasia Support Group has been active in raising awareness of aphasia in the community and in supporting the activities of the NAA.

Aphasia is difficulty speaking or understanding speech that can happen after a brain injury such as stroke or head trauma. Many times individuals with aphasia shun social gatherings because of an inability to participate in everyday conversation.

Magee’s Aphasia Support Group provides an opportunity to practice speech and language skills in a safe and supportive environment; provides education about aphasia; and encourages socialization among the members. The group is open to individuals who have aphasia and/or their family members.