About the Center
The Center for Aphasia and Related Disorders (CARD) is a research center affiliated with the VA Northern California and dedicated to understanding the brain basis of aphasia. CARD specializes in a multi-disciplinary approach to the evaluation of patients with aphasia following stroke. We have been working with patients with aphasia for over 15 years and recruit new research participants on an ongoing basis.
What is Aphasia?
Aphasia is an impairment in speech/language due to brain injury. Most often, aphasia results from a stroke to the left hemisphere of the brain. There are different types of aphasia, some of which affect a person's ability to say what they want, and other types that affect a person's ability to understand what people are saying. Here is more information.
Center Activities
Stroke Support Parties
In the summer, we have our yearly Stroke Support Group Picnic at Nancy Boyd Park in Martinez. Everyone brings a dish to share, and we always end up with lots of doggy bags. But everybody has a good time, eating, singing, and sharing stories. In December, we have our annual holiday party. Again, lots of delicious food is part of the event, but most importantly, it's a chance to get together and celebrate the holidays.
Weekly Support/Activities Groups
We have two weekly speech activities groups that meet to practice speaking, listening, and reading skills. It's also a chance to to share common stories about living with stroke and aphasia.
Important Links
EBIRE: East Bay Institute for Research & Education
Exercises and Activities on the Web