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

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.

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