Open Lines Speech and Communication PC

06/08/2026

June is Aphasia Awareness Month! 💜

Imagine knowing exactly what you want to say, but struggling to find the words. For millions of people living with aphasia, communication challenges can affect everyday conversations, relationships, and confidence, but they do not affect intelligence.

This Aphasia Awareness Month, we're celebrating the organizations, caregivers, families, and speech-language professionals who help individuals with aphasia stay connected, engaged, and empowered.

By raising awareness, we help create communities where every voice is valued even when communication looks different.

🔗 Read more: https://bit.ly/4uiU3zd

05/31/2026

May is Stroke Awareness Month!

A stroke changes lives in an instant, but stories of resilience remind us that hope, courage, and determination can shine through even the hardest moments.

One daughter shared how her mother, a stroke survivor, became her greatest inspiration by refusing to give up despite the challenges recovery brought. Her journey is a powerful reminder that recovery is not only physical, it’s emotional, personal, and deeply human.

This month, we honor stroke survivors, caregivers, families, and healthcare professionals who continue to fight every day with incredible strength and compassion.

If you or someone you love is recovering from stroke, know this: progress matters, support matters, and you are never alone. 💜

🔗 Read more: https://bit.ly/4wrf0u3

After suffering from a stroke, Mary underwent rehabilitation. Complications arose when a blood clot in her left leg was found. Thanks to a quick response from her rehab team at Johns Hopkins, Mary is back on the road to recovery.

05/28/2026

May is Stroke Awareness Month!

When someone survives a stroke, recovery becomes a journey shared by family, friends, and caregivers. 💙

Caregivers often become a source of strength, encouragement, and hope during rehabilitation, helping loved ones navigate speech challenges, communication frustrations, and emotional ups and downs along the way.

This thoughtful article from Open Lines® highlights the important role caregivers play in supporting stroke survivors through speech therapy and rehabilitation while also reminding caregivers that compassion, patience, and emotional support can make a lasting difference.

Recovery is never a journey someone should face alone.

🔗 Read more: https://bit.ly/post-stroke-carepartner

read more about how caregivers can support communication and healing after stroke.

The process of relearning and retraining these skills often involves rigorous, specialized speech therapy that addresses the unique challenges and personal needs that each individual stroke survivor faces.

05/19/2026

May is Stroke Awareness Month!

Many stroke survivors and their families wonder if speech and communication abilities can improve after a stroke. The answer is yes. With the right support, therapy, and time, many individuals make meaningful progress in reconnecting with others and expressing themselves.

Learn more about how speech therapy can support recovery after a stroke and help individuals regain confidence in communication.

🔗 Read the blog here: https://bit.ly/speech-after-stroke

Experiencing sudden changes to speech and communication after a stroke can feel deeply disorienting—not just for the person affected, but for their loved ones too. When the parts of the brain responsible for speech and language are injured, one of the first questions people want to know is: “Wil...

05/15/2026

May is Stroke Awareness Month!

Stroke can change a life in an instant, but stories like Shannon’s remind us that strength, determination, and hope can shine through even the hardest moments.

After experiencing a massive stroke, Shannon faced the challenges of aphasia and apraxia, working every day to rebuild communication and regain independence. Her journey is a powerful reminder that recovery is not linear, but every milestone matters.

For many stroke survivors, speech and language difficulties are among the most emotional and invisible parts of recovery. Compassion, support, and access to therapy can make a life-changing difference.

This Stroke Awareness Month, let’s continue raising awareness, supporting survivors, and sharing stories that inspire resilience and hope! 💜

🔗 Read more: https://bit.ly/4nwSrQY

Shannon speaks about managing apraxia and aphasia following her “massive stroke”. Her determination to be a survivor sees her continue to achieve milestones in her recovery.

05/08/2026

May is Stroke Awareness Month!

Recovery after a stroke is not always linear, but every word spoken, every sentence formed, and every breakthrough matters. ❤️

For many stroke survivors, regaining speech and communication can feel overwhelming in the beginning. But healing is possible. The most significant progress often happens in the first few months, though improvements can continue for years with the right therapy, support, and encouragement.

This powerful article from Open Lines® highlights the emotional and physical journey of speech recovery after stroke, while reminding survivors and families that hope remains at every stage of recovery.
Communication is more than words, it’s connection, identity, and quality of life.

read more about the timeline of speech recovery after stroke and the importance of continued support and therapy:

🔗 https://bit.ly/stroke-recovery-timeline

Stroke remains one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, with communication disorders affecting approximately one-third of survivors.

04/29/2026

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month!

For many living with Parkinson’s, everyday moments like cooking a meal or walking across a room can become overwhelming challenges.

Eric Simmons knows that journey all too well. As his symptoms progressed, even holding utensils or maintaining his balance became difficult. But through innovative care and the courage to explore new treatment options, his life began to change.

After undergoing asleep deep brain stimulation (DBS), Eric experienced a remarkable transformation: his hand tremors stopped, and his walking improved by 50%.

https://bit.ly/4sHpanB

And then came a moment that says everything…

💙The first time he was able to cut his own steak in nearly a decade

Stories like Eric’s remind us that progress in Parkinson’s care is real, and so is hope.

Let’s continue to support, educate, and advocate for those living with Parkinson’s.

04/22/2026

🎗️ April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month — and your voice is NOT something to lose quietly.

Parkinson’s doesn’t just affect movement. It can shrink volume, interrupt speech, and make everyday conversations feel like a fight to be heard.

We’re pushing back on that.

Our latest blog shares 7 expert-backed strategies to help people living with Parkinson’s speak louder, clearer, and with confidence — at home, on calls, and out in the world. 💬

Here’s what you’ll learn:
✅ Start speech therapy early (and why it matters)
✅ Use LSVT LOUD® techniques in real life
✅ Be heard in noisy environments
✅ Show up confidently on phone + video calls
✅ Advocate for yourself in conversation
✅ Use AAC tools when you need backup
✅ Support communication as a caregiver or partner

Your voice still carries your story. Let’s keep it strong. 🌷

👉 Read the full blog: https://bit.ly/PD-speech-tips

04/21/2026

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month!

Parkinson’s doesn’t always look the way people expect.

For Donna Parkhurst, the journey began as a caregiver… and later became her own diagnosis. What she discovered is something many people don’t see:

Some of the most challenging symptoms are invisible.

Fatigue. Anxiety. Brain fog. Sleep disruption.

These are the parts of Parkinson’s that often go unnoticed, but can deeply impact daily life.

https://bit.ly/3Q38N7c

Yet through it all, Donna continues to stay active, lean on her support system, and use her voice to help others feel less alone.

💙Because even when symptoms aren’t visible… the strength it takes to live with Parkinson’s is.

04/16/2026

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month!

A diagnosis journey isn’t always straightforward and for many living with Parkinson’s, it can take persistence, courage, and self-advocacy to finally be heard.

In this powerful story from the Michael J. Fox Foundation, one woman shares how she tracked her symptoms, pushed for answers, and ultimately found clarity after months of uncertainty.

https://bit.ly/4tOELlY

Her experience is a reminder that:
💙You know your body best
💙 Your voice matters in your care
💙 Community and support can change everything

From diagnosis to daily life, Parkinson’s is more than what we see, it’s a journey of resilience, strength, and hope.
Let’s continue raising awareness, supporting one another, and advocating for better care.