Curated organizations, apps, guides, and hotlines for stroke and aphasia survivors, caregivers, and the professionals who support them. Updated regularly by the EBSAF team.
If you think someone is having a stroke, call 911 immediately. Learn the F.A.S.T. signs — see the warning guide below.
Before going anywhere else, explore what the foundation offers — the Survivor Circle, caregiver workshops, speech therapy financial assistance, and more. All free.
The leading U.S. aphasia organization. Offers a therapist finder, support group directory, and extensive educational materials for survivors and families.
World-renowned research center on communication recovery. Survivors can participate in studies advancing aphasia treatment — often at no cost.
Online community of over 50,000 survivors, caregivers, and professionals sharing strategies and support. One of the most active aphasia communities anywhere.
Advances life-participation approaches to aphasia care. Connects survivors and clinicians to programs that address life beyond impairment-only treatment models.
Creators of the globally-used Supported Conversation for Adults with Aphasia (SCA™) method. Free training videos and communication guides for families and professionals.
Interviews with survivors, caregivers, researchers, and speech-language pathologists. An accessible, human way to learn and feel less alone in the experience of aphasia.
The most comprehensive stroke resource in the U.S. — helpline, survivor stories, clinical research, and a local support group finder. Part of the American Heart Association.
Connects survivors and caregivers to trained specialists who can answer questions, provide support, and connect callers to local resources — any time of day.
Medically reviewed guide from the National Library of Medicine covering physical, speech, occupational, and cognitive therapy in plain language for survivors and families.
Helps survivors navigate insurance denials, access financial assistance, and connect to case management. Critical for those facing coverage gaps for ongoing speech therapy.
Registry of federally funded clinical trials for stroke and aphasia. Survivors may access new treatments at no cost while contributing to research that advances recovery for everyone.
Medicare covers speech therapy for stroke and aphasia when medically necessary. This guide explains coverage rules, caps, exceptions, and how to appeal denials for continued therapy.
The leading national caregiver organization. Offers a helpline, fact sheets on aphasia caregiving, online support groups, and a self-care toolkit for preventing caregiver burnout.
Advocacy organization with a helpline and peer support forums specifically for caregivers. Includes a caregiver help desk, self-care resources, and local caregiver network connections.
Free printable guide with specific communication strategies for speaking with aphasia survivors. Essential reading for every caregiver — covers what to do, what to avoid, and how to listen.
Free suite of apps for aphasia communication. Lets users tap pictures and phrases to express themselves. Widely used by survivors and speech-language pathologists in clinical settings.
Clinician-designed app with 65+ speech, language, and cognitive exercises for aphasia and stroke recovery. Includes progress tracking and is used in hospitals and rehabilitation centers.
The gold-standard augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) app. Highly customizable symbol-based communication for people with speech and language challenges.
Evidence-based apps targeting reading, naming, speaking, and understanding in aphasia. Developed specifically for adult aphasia treatment by speech-language pathologists.
AI-powered app that learns to understand non-standard speech — including aphasia and dysarthria — and converts it to clear speech. A major breakthrough for communication independence.
Online speech therapy via video with licensed SLPs. More affordable than in-person clinics and accessible from anywhere — especially valuable in areas with limited local therapists.
One of the nation's top rehab programs with a dedicated aphasia team. Offers inpatient, outpatient, and telehealth speech therapy across multiple NYC locations.
Comprehensive post-stroke care including aphasia therapy, neurological rehabilitation, and opportunities to participate in clinical trials through Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
NYC's HRA provides Medicaid, home care, and financial assistance programs for stroke survivors who qualify. Free application assistance is available at HRA service centers citywide.
EBSAF's own weekly in-person peer support group for aphasia survivors meets in New York City. Led by trained peer mentors. No cost. Open to all survivors regardless of stage of recovery.
Stroke survivors can face insurance denials, employment discrimination, and benefits challenges. The NYC Bar's referral service connects New Yorkers with disability rights attorneys.
Designated Comprehensive Stroke Center with 24/7 emergency stroke care, a dedicated stroke unit, and outpatient rehabilitation including speech therapy for aphasia survivors.
A stroke is a medical emergency. Every minute without treatment can mean permanent damage. Know these four warning signs — and act immediately if you see them.
Is one side drooping or numb? Ask the person to smile. Is it uneven?
Is one arm weak or numb? Ask them to raise both. Does one drift down?
Is speech slurred or impossible to understand? Can they repeat a simple phrase?
If you see ANY of these signs — call 911 immediately. Note the time symptoms began.