My dad worked as a sales trainer for an IT company, specializing in teaching salespeople how to present themselves effectively through verbal and non-verbal communication, like body language. At the age of 44, he experienced a stroke that resulted in right-sided weakness and aphasia.

After his stroke, he focused on his stroke recovery. He completed physical therapy and occupational therapy programs, attended speech therapy boot camps, participated in intensive comprehensive aphasia programs (ICAPs), and joined local aphasia groups.

As my dad focused on regaining and improving his communication skills, one of his goals was to return to work. He enjoyed his job and wanted to regain the sense of purpose and satisfaction he felt at work.

However, it was challenging for him to return to his previous job. Much of his work revolved around strong, standardized communication skills. At the time, we weren’t aware of the various job accommodations and resources that could help him communicate effectively with aphasia. He was unable to successfully return to work, and he reframed therapy as is new career and aphasia education and as his new purpose.