A Note from Maura
When I started TAP way back in 2003, I often referred to a famous line from a movie called Fields of Dreams. The quote: “If you build it, they will come” seemed to reflect the amazing response by individuals with aphasia and the families that supported them. The programs, opportunities to connect with others with aphasia, took off! The growth in the communities was truly remarkable, but what was even more empowering was what happened next. It appears that the invitation to connect was broadened and that those who served individuals with aphasia echoed the need to gather with others of like mind and purpose!
I went from leading every group across the Triangle, to welcoming Speech Language Pathologists from area hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and the community to join us in the mission of TAP. Providers signed up to lead groups, became involved in committees and joined in every fundraising effort that we sponsored. And it grew… it just continued to grow! TAP Group Leaders were inspired by these amazing TAP clients and the spokes (group programs at outside of the TAP hub) expanded. Groups were being held in communities across the Triangle and then to it’s west, it’s east and so on. How blessed we have been that this trend, this invitation still echoes even in a time where programs needed to adapt…shifting to an online community
Today’s story is written by one of our group leaders, Taylor Hickok. Learn how she views the collaboration between providers who share a Life Participation Approach. With almost 20 group leaders under the TAP umbrella, it’s certainly true …if you build it they ALL will come.
________________________________________________
Taylor Hickok:
Making Connections During COVID- How I Found My TAP Family
For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Taylor and I am head over heels in love with my job! I am a speech-language pathologist with a very special place in my heart for working with people with aphasia. My aunt, Millie, was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) a few years ago. I have seen first-hand how isolating, confusing, and frustrating aphasia can be. Millie is an amazing woman who spent every Thursday evening for 15 years teaching me piano. She has inspired me to be the best speech therapist I can be (and to follow in her footsteps to teach piano on the side as well!)
My husband and I moved from Arizona to North Carolina in March of 2019. When we moved, I started my own private practice, Rehab Rising, because I saw a need for functional, meaningful, client-centered therapy for people with aphasia (aka the “Life Participation Approach”). I see clients with aphasia in their homes or online depending on their availability and preference. My goal is to eventually get a clinic and hire physical therapists, occupational therapists, and neuropsychologists to make Rehab Rising a one stop shop for stroke and brain injury recovery!
Before my private practice, I had worked in vocational rehabilitation (i.e. helping people with brain injuries and stroke get back to work), and then I did online tele-therapy with children at a virtual school for several years. I loved tele-therapy but wanted badly to get back to working with the population I was most passionate about- people with aphasia!
When I started Rehab Rising, I remember telling my husband, “Wow, I really love doing therapy online, but there aren’t a lot of online therapy opportunities for adults. I wonder if I could start that with my private practice.” My husband said, “It’s a cool idea but online therapy will never catch on.” Boy were we wrong!
When the pandemic hit in March of 2020, I reached out to Maura and asked to get involved with her new online TAP classes. She was kind enough to let me volunteer as a group leader. The day I ran my first online TAP group, I fell in love. The rest is history.
The past two years have been so difficult and isolating because of the pandemic, but also so full of blessings. Even though at TAP, we have been physically separated, we have been able to stay deeply connected with each other through our screens. I wouldn’t change the last two years for the world because the pandemic has allowed me to make connections with a group of amazing individuals who inspire me every day.
Now, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 10am are my favorite part of the week. I get to spend quality time laughing, talking, and connecting on Zoom with my TAP family. I am so deeply grateful this holiday season for TAP and all it has done for the aphasia community.
I wish all of you a warm and joyful holiday season! 😊
______________________________________________________
From the Home Office
12 Days of TAP provides you, our Triangle Aphasia Project Unlimited family, an opportunity to embrace the WHY of what we do. For 12 days, we share stories of those impacted by aphasia.
Aphasia can be a devastating impairment resulting in social isolation, depression and disengagement from the passions and purpose of an individual’s life. These stories demonstrate what happens when hope, determination, purpose and engagement are returned.
Our ability to provide accessible, affordable programming for individuals with aphasia and their families is a result of the generosity of our donors. Today, we ask that you continue supporting TAP by sharing these stories to build an understanding of life with aphasia and consider making a donation.
Thank you for your faith in our organization and for supporting the 12 Days of TAP!
Ways to Donate
- Text “tapholidays” to 50155
- Visit aphasiaproject.org to make a one-time donation
- Join our Ice Breaker Club to become a monthly donor
- Donate on our Facebook Fundraiser and share with your friends
- Print and clip the form below and mail a check
- Make a donation of stock; email us for more information