Ask us. We are here for it
ARCH is the longstanding home for the all day gathering, with five years of proven success serving the aphasia community. That history reflects trust, consistency, and a community that has shown up year after year for education, connection, and real world navigation. Rivers Speaking Solutions (RSS) builds on that success by advocating for resources to reach people earlier in recovery, especially in the subacute phase when the drop off cliff is real.
ROSA stands for Resource Orientation for Stroke and Aphasia. ROSA exists because people are often told what is available at a moment when they cannot cognitively receive the information. Early recovery is a period of overload: new diagnoses, new language challenges, fatigue, medications, appointments, and emotional stress all arrive at once. Survivors and care partners are mid avalanche.
ROSA responds with education designed to be digestible and well timed. It is delivered in a learning setting where stroke survivors and caregivers can slow down, process information, and understand options at a pace that fits real recovery. ROSA focuses on orientation, not treatment, and is designed to complement clinical care by extending learning beyond discharge and into everyday life, from clinic to community.
Glossary
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Glossary *
National Aphasia Association (NAA)
https://aphasia.org
The leading resource for aphasia support, education, and advocacy.
Aphasia Access
https://www.aphasiaaccess.org
Focused on advancing lifelong communication access and community participation for people with aphasia.
American Stroke Association
https://www.stroke.org
The United States recognized authority for comprehensive information on stroke prevention, recovery, and community resources.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
https://www.asha.org
Connects the public with certified speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and evidence-based communication resources.
Stroke Comeback Center
https://www.strokecomebackcenter.org
Offers in-person and online support programs for stroke and aphasia recovery. Home of the stroke comeback podcast
Aphasia Institute
https://www.aphasia.ca
Provides educational tools, professional training, and community programs for people living with aphasia and their families.
Voices of Hope for Aphasia
https://www.voicesofhopeforaphasia.org
Creates peer-to-peer connection opportunities and inclusive community programs for aphasia survivors.
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
https://www.nidcd.nih.gov
A federal research institute dedicated to advancing understanding of communication disorders, including aphasia.
The Aphasia Center
https://www.aphasiacenter.org
Offers specialized, intensive aphasia therapy and family support programs.
National Aphasia Synergy
https://www.nationalaphasiasynergy.org
A national initiative amplifying peer-befriending, collaboration, and community leadership among people with aphasia.
Mid-Atlantic Aphasia Conference (MAAC)
https://midatlanticaphasiaconference.org
An independent nonprofit supporting people with aphasia and their caregivers through monthly groups, virtual and in-person events in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Aphasia Resource Collaboration Hub (ARCH)
https://www.aphasiaresource.org
A Philadelphia-based network linking researchers, clinicians, and people with aphasia to share knowledge, resources, and hope.
Aphasia:
A language disorder caused by brain injury, often from a stroke, that affects a person’s ability to speak, understand, read, or write.
Neuroplasticity:
The brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections, which can help in recovery after a brain injury.
Expressive Aphasia:
A type of aphasia where a person has difficulty expressing their thoughts in words, even though they might understand what is being said to them.
Receptive Aphasia:
A type of aphasia where a person can speak fluently but has difficulty understanding spoken or written language.
Anomic Aphasia:
A milder form of aphasia where the main difficulty is finding the right words or names for things.
Apraxia of Speech:
A motor speech disorder that makes it difficult to coordinate the movements needed for speech.
Dysarthria:
A speech disorder caused by muscle weakness, leading to slurred or slow speech that can be difficult to understand.
Cognitive-Communication Disorder:
Difficulties with communication that are caused by underlying cognitive issues, like problems with memory, attention, or problem-solving.
Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP):
A professional who evaluates and treats speech, language, and communication disorders, including aphasia.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC):
Tools or methods that help people with speech or language difficulties communicate, such as communication boards or speech-generating devices.
Ischemic Stroke:
The most common type of stroke. It happens when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain, stopping oxygen flow to that area.
Hemorrhagic Stroke:
A less common but serious type of stroke caused by bleeding in or around the brain when a blood vessel bursts.
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA):
Sometimes called a “mini-stroke.” It’s a short blockage of blood flow to the brain that causes temporary symptoms and is a warning sign for future stroke risk.
Moyamoya Disease:
A rare condition where arteries at the base of the brain narrow over time, reducing blood flow and increasing stroke risk, especially in children and young adults.
Neuro Fatigue:
A deep, overwhelming tiredness that affects thinking and concentration after a brain injury or stroke — rest helps, but recovery takes time.
