Our next virtual Brag & Steal will be held on October 20, 2026, at 2:00PM ET. We are excited to share that for the first time we will be offering AHSA CEU’s! Registration is required.

Discover practical, creative approaches for supporting people with aphasia in meaningful participation, connection, and community engagement. This Brag & Steal session will showcase innovative programs and initiatives including community volunteering, pen pal partnerships, podcasting, aphasia gatherings, and walking groups that foster connection, empowerment, and life participation.

Presenters & Topics

Bernadine Gagnon and Tim Carosi – “Aphasia to Aphasia: A Podcast for Empowerment” (2:00 -2:10 PM)

Cathy Torrington Eaton and Haley Hoelting – “A guide to promoting life participation through volunteering in the community​” (2:10 – 2:20 PM)

Lisa Samson and Tahera Khalfan – “Pen Pals Across North America” (2:20 – 2:30 PM)

Sherry Lovelette and Rebecca Steinen – “Aphasia Gatherings” (2:30 – 2:40 PM)

Megan Caldwell and Morgan Barry – “Creating Connections While Walking Around My Words” (2:40 – 2:50 PM)

Questions & Answers (2:50 – 3:00 PM)

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify key elements of programs and activities designed to foster meaningful social connection for people with aphasia.
2. Describe strategies for creating accessible, inclusive opportunities that support communication, participation, and relationship-building.
3. Explore approaches for developing and sustaining community-based initiatives for people with aphasia.

To satisfactorily complete this course, participants must:

• Attend the full course session.
• Remain engaged and participate in the learning activities and discussion throughout the session.
• Complete the course evaluation and self assessment following the session.

Participants who meet these requirements will be considered to have satisfactorily completed the course and will be eligible to receive the applicable continuing education credit.

Presenter Disclosures:

Cathy Torrington Eaton: is a salaried employee at the University of Texas at San Antonio. No relevant non-financial relationships to disclose

Haley Hoelting: no relevant non-financial relationships to disclose

Lisa Samson: no relevant financial or non-financial relationships to disclose

Tahera Khalfan: no relevant financial or non-financial relationships to disclose

Bernadine Gagnon: a full-time salaried employee at Teachers College, Columbia University, but has no nonfinancial relationships or conflicts of interest related to this presentation

Tim Carosi: is the host of Aphasia to Aphasia but has no financial relationships or conflicts of interest related to this presentation.

Sherry Lovelette: no relevant financial or non-financial relationships to disclose

Rebecca Steinen: no relevant financial or non-financial relationships to disclose

Megan Caldwell: no relevant financial or non-financial relationships to disclose

Morgan Barry: no relevant financial or non-financial relationships to disclose