For People with Aphasia

MnCAN strives to support people with aphasia to reach their communicative potential and engage in their communities. One MnCAN goal is to connect people with aphasia to each other and to other resources where they live.

Minnesota Aphasia Programs and Organizations

  • Adult Academic Program:  Stroke and Brain Injury Recovery Class – Offered by Robbinsdale Community Education. Free classes in reading, speaking, writing and math for adults who have had a brain injury or stroke.   Call  763-504-8300 or  see website – Adult Academic Program (Scroll to the bottom to find Stroke & Brain Injury Recovery Class)
  • Capable Partners Making The Outdoor Accessible – Capable Partners’ purpose is to provide opportunities for personal growth and independence for physically challenged persons and able-bodied partners through participation in fishing, hunting, and related outdoor activities. To contact Capable Partners visit their webpage at www.capablepartners.org or call 612-299-1329.
  • Coffee and Conversation – Stroke Program at  North Memorial Medical Center. Weekly morning coffee group. Contact:  763-581-3650 or email: stroke.center@northmemorial.com for details.
  • Community Reintegration Program (CRP) – The Community Reintegration Program (CRP) uses day-to-day activities and life skills to help you maximize your abilities and independence. It is meant for anyone who has sustained a mild-to-moderate brain injury, experienced a stroke or cognitive conditions that affect your ability to function successfully in the home or community environment.
  • Minnesota Connect Aphasia Now (MnCAN) – Weekly in-person and virtual aphasia conversation groups and programs for persons with aphasia!  Visit www.mncan.org or call 612-525-8802 for more information!
  • Minnesota Stroke Association – The Minnesota Stroke Association offers services and supports in a variety of categories. Visit their website here: https://www.strokemn.org/
  • SHARE: Sports-Health-Activity-Recreation and Exercise – Courage Center Rehab Institute. This program helps navigate opportunities for community resources for sports, health, activity, recreation and education for all of Minnesota. More info at allinahealth.org/SHARE.

Nationwide Aphasia Organizations

  • American Stroke Association – Stroke Connection e-news is a monthly publication delivering news, resources and stories for stroke survivors and their caregivers. Sign up here: https://www.stroke.org/en/stroke-connection
  • Aphasia Nation – The purpose of Aphasia Nation is to educate the wider public about aphasia and particularly the healthcare and hospital communities. Aphasia Nation is looking for people with aphasia (PWA) as well as other aphasia advocates who are hard at work raising aphasia awareness (and neuroplasticity) and telling their stories worldwide. This will also include partners around the world with similar interests and passions, while developing a sense of community.  Visit their website here: aphasianation.org.
  • National Aphasia Association – The National Aphasia Association has been providing information and support to people with aphasia and their caregivers for over thirty-five years. Click here for more information: https://www.aphasia.org/

Resources for People with Aphasia

Aphasia Apps

Cell Phone Resources

  • Jitterbug phone – The Jitterbug is a simple flip phone designed to help older adults stay in touch with their loved ones. Its big buttons,
    simplified menu, and powerful speaker makes it easy to see, hear, and use. Search your web browser to find a local dealer.

  • Senior Safety App. The Senior Safety App helps Seniors get attention quickly, with alerts for emergency help requests, malicious apps, phone falling, phone being inactive for a long time, app installs or uninstalls, entry/exit from geo-locations (buildings, streets, cities or neighborhoods), network changes (sim card change) and low battery alerts. Search your cell phone app store to download the free or paid version.

Community Connection, Volunteer Involvement & Activities

  • CaringBridge offers a social network to help people stay connected with family and friends during a health event or diagnosis. Visit the website for more information: Caring Bridge
  • Facebook has several different groups for persons with aphasia and care partners.
  • HandsOn Twin Cities offers volunteer opportunities. Visit the website for more information: HandsOn Twin Cities
  • Lotsa Helping Hands offers a central place to coordinate meals and help for family & friends. Visit the website for more information: Lotsa Helping Hands

Mental Health Resources

  • Allina Health Rehabilitation psychology services offers a range of services related to a diagnosis. Visit their website for more information: Allina Health
  • Brighter Days Family Grief Center is a family focused grief center in Minnesota. They are the only nonprofit Family Grief Center that provides free resources and services to all children, young adults and adults grieving the terminal diagnosis or death of family member. Visit their website for more information: Brighter Days
  • Headspace is an app for mindfulness and meditation. Visit your phone app store for pricing and information.
  • JS Mental Health, Jane Sieve MSW LICSW offers private online and in-person care. Visit the website for more information: Jane Sieve JS Mental Health
  • Psychology Today website offers a lists of mental health providers in your area. Visit their website for more information: Pyschology Today
  • Sara Nuahn, Jade Counseling LLC, is an licensed social worker in private practice in Chanhassen, MN. She has been in the field for 22 years, and worked in many capacities at Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute in Golden Valley. Sara was a Behavior Professional, and Clinical Supervisor, working closely with a variety of counties. Call her at 612-524-9195 or visit her website for more information: https://www.jadecounseling.net/
  • The Presence Care Project offers mindfulness-based programs that aim to promote greater ease, enhanced well-being, and resilience for people caring for those who are living with mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Visit the website for more information: https://presencecareproject.com/

Travel Resources

Page updated February 2025