Aphasia Talks: Photography as a Means of Communication, Self-Expression, and Empowerment in Persons with Aphasia

Abstract

Purpose: Through collaboration between Archeworks, Inc., an alternative design program, and the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, items and services designed to improve the lives of persons with stroke were developed. Method: After examining the issues related to stroke from a design perspective, a photography class called Aphasia Talks was developed to facilitate self-expression in persons with aphasia with the goals of reintegration, socialization, recreation, education, and strengthening. A model based on design with, rather than for, persons with stroke was employed to develop the class and a corresponding website (AphasiaTalks.org), which includes photographs and audio relating to the photographs. In addition, the redesign of a digital camera that could be used by persons with limited hand mobility as a communication and recreation tool was begun. Results: By encouraging self-expression and empowering class participants, the class was refined to be used for research purposes to gain further insight into the problems faced by persons living with stroke.

Keywords:

• aphasia
• Aphasia Talks
• design
• photography
• Photovoice
• stroke