The CHAT Society

The Communication Health and Therapy Society (CHAT) was founded in 2019 in Edmonton, Alberta. A widespread needs assessment survey identified a lack of centralized services, resources, and social support for individuals with acquired communication challenges and their loved ones. CHAT is committed to changing that by raising awareness of communication challenges, advocating for communication access, and educating community members. We are also building a strong and supportive community of individuals impacted by communication challenges. We host a biweekly session called u2018Letu2019s CHATu2019, allowing our members to communicate, play games and get to know one another better. We are dedicated to supporting individuals who have been impacted by acquired language disorders through social, educational, and therapeutic opportunities. Our President, Daralynn Swensrude, has aphasia and is very passionate about helping those similar to her. Aphasia is damage to the brain in the areas responsible for language processing or understanding, resulting in the loss of ability to speak, understand, write, or read. For every 10 minutes, one person is having a stroke in Canada. Over 100,000 Canadians have aphasia, and approximately 1/3 of stroke survivors will experience aphasia.