AphasiaNZ

08/10/2026

This month we are having a look at memory and aphasia.

Many people with aphasia also experience changes in memory — especially after stroke, head injury, or dementia. Clinical evidence shows that memory problems often co‑occur with aphasia and can affect day‑to‑day routines, confidence, and communication (Mayo Clinic, 2022).

Research also shows that short‑term and working memory difficulties can make tasks like following instructions, recalling words, and understanding long sentences harder for some people with aphasia (Martin & Reilly, Journal of Neurolinguistics, 2018).

Memory supports like writing key words, using pictures, repeating information, and breaking tasks into steps can help reduce pressure and make communication easier.

Tell us, what helps you remember things day‑to‑day?
(Leaving comments helps everyone in the community - we appreciate your engagement). 🙏

04/10/2026

The electoral commission has developed lots of accessible resources to make it easier for you to enrol and vote in the upcoming NZ election.

Follow the link attached to access easy-to-read information about enrolling and voting. There are also other accessible options with large print, audio and braille.

Everyone deserves a voice.

This page has accessible information about enrolling and voting in the 2026 General Election in Easy Read.

02/10/2026

Last week, our Rotorua CAA (Community Aphasia Advisor), Jude Thomas, attended the launch of the 'Ko au tēnei' booklet, a collaborative effort by a team led by Karen Brewer (UOA) and Maia Watling (AUT) in collaboration with Awhi Mai Stroke Trust.

The booklet, Ko au tēnei, has been developed from feedback from Maori stroke patients. Hospital supports physical health but leaves many feeling distressed and disconnected. The booklet can be shared with medical staff and includes information about the patient, such as their Pepeha; personal information; who their whanau and support people are; what helps them communicate; information that's important to the patient; and cultural and spiritual information.

The aim is to help Maori and Pacific Islanders who have had a stroke to have a more positive hospital experience.

📸Pictured from left to right at the launch in Rotorua last week: Jude Thomas (Rotorua CAA AphasiaNZ), Jason Mikaere (Awhi Mai volunteer), Karen Brewer (UoA PhD and kaupapa Māori researcher), and Rukingi Haupapa (Awhi Mai Stroke Trust).

24/09/2026

This month we are thinking about travel.

🧳What do you ALWAYS pack when you travel to help communication?

💬Comment below and share your ideas with our aphasia community.

21/09/2026

✈️🛳️🚄Travel can be exciting. But it can feel different or even overwhelming with aphasia, especially when thinking about planning for your first trip.

Follow the link attached to read this helpful blog from our friends at National Aphasia Association

Travel can be exciting. But it can feel different or even overwhelming with aphasia. The good news is that many people with aphasia continue to travel

16/09/2026

This is a fantastic resource!

Phil has updated his webpage that describes apps he has found useful after aphasia.

Why don’t you try one of the apps and leave a review for others?

https://aphasia.tech

14/09/2026

Are you going travelling?
The Sunflower Lanyard is a simple way to show you have a hidden disability, like aphasia.
People with aphasia can use it to ask for extra time, clear communication, and patience.
Air New Zealand recognises the lanyard and can offer calm, supportive help when you travel.
You can get a lanyard at many airports, some supermarkets, or from the Hidden Disabilities website.
If you are flying out of one of the main airports, with AirNZ, you can get a free sunflower lanyard posted to you.
Aphasia is often invisible.
The sunflower helps people understand your needs so you can move through the world with more confidence.

07/09/2026

This month we are thinking about travel.
Travelling with aphasia can feel challenging, but a little planning makes a big difference. These three quick tips are simple, realistic ways to make your trip smoother and less stressful.

Start with a few communication tools you can rely on. Written phrases, photos, and a clear aphasia card help you explain what you need, even when speaking feels hard.

Plan your transport before you go. Save routes, write down directions, and let the people you are travelling with know what helps you communicate. Having this sorted ahead of time takes pressure off when you are on the move.

Keep all your important information together. A small folder or phone album with your passport, bookings, emergency contacts, medication list, and communication supports means you can find what you need quickly.

💬Tell us your travel tips in the comments below ⬇️