Congratulations to our inaugural winner!

2025: Brooks Rehabilitation Aphasia Center

The inaugural award was be presented at the 2025 Aphasia Access Leadership Summit in Pittsburgh, PA on Saturday, April 5.

AWARD OVERVIEW

In supporting people with aphasia, where language barriers can hinder identity renegotiation, incorporating identity-focused approaches is critical. Established in 2025, this award recognizes individuals or teams that effectively incorporate an identity lens into their work – whether through research, education, clinical practice, or programmatic development.

ELIGIBILITY

• Individuals, teams, or organizations in the aphasia community including service providers, researchers, educators, advocates, people with aphasia, care partners and others.
• Teams may be interdisciplinary but at least one person must be an Aphasia Access member.

AWARD CRITERIA

Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria. Please note that bullet points are provided as examples only; they are not requirements or intended to be limiting in any way.

1. Innovation in Identity Integration (25%)
• Development or implementation of novel approaches to address identity in aphasia therapy/treatment
• Creation of tools or frameworks that facilitate identity work
• Innovative methods for overcoming language barriers in identity exploration

2. Evidence of Impact (25%)
• Documented outcomes showing the effectiveness of identity-focused interventions
• Testimonials from persons with aphasia and their families, students, colleagues, or others
• Measurable improvements in quality of life or rehabilitation outcomes
• Reach and scope of the implemented approaches

3. Clinical Application (25%)
• Practical implementation of identity concepts in therapeutic settings
• Integration of identity work into aphasia treatment protocols
• Development of resources or training materials for other practitioners
• Sustainability and/or scalability of approaches

4. Person-Centered and Identity-Focused Care (25%)
• Demonstrated commitment to person-centered care and/or LPAA or identity focused care
• Cultural competency and intersectionality in identity work

SELECTION PROCESS

Nomination
Nominators or nominees must submit:
1. Detailed description of their identity-focused intervention or contribution and supporting evidence of impact (2-page limit single spaced). If nominating a team, please include the individuals names, email addresses, titles and credentials.
2. Two letters of recommendation (which could include letters from colleagues, persons with aphasia, care partners, or others who have or may benefit from the work). Page limit is one page per letter.

Review Process
Review Committee Composition
The review committee will be composed of two representatives from Aphasia Access and one representative from Stroke Onward.