Project "I communicate with aphasia - in a doctor's and dentist's office"
Why is this project needed?
People with aphasia often face barriers in accessing health services. Because of the communication difficulties they experience after a stroke or other neurological damage, they are unable to fully express symptoms, needs, or consent for treatment. This leads to serious risks to health and the quality of care.
The Association for Stroke and Aphasia recognizes this vulnerability and with this project aims to overcome barriers to communication between victims and medical professionals. The project focuses on the development of easily accessible, practical tools, as well as on raising awareness and capacity of the environment.
Who is behind the project?
The Association for Stroke and Aphasia implemented the project with the financial support of the Social Innovation Program of Sofia Municipality .
What is the goal?
Improve access to health services for people with aphasia, a condition in which the ability to speak, understand, read or write is impaired after a stroke or other brain damage.
What does the project provide?
✅ Development of:- Language communication cards - to facilitate dialogue between victims and medical professionals- Free mobile application - pocket assistant with vocabulary and visual resources- Communication guidance cards - for doctors, dentists, relatives and the victims themselves
✅ Conducting:- Trainings for general practitioners, specialists and relatives- Information meetings and events
✅ Promotion through:- Online resources of stroke.bg- Information materials and illustrations
Implementation period:
June – November 2025
The project resources are expected to be available free of charge at the end of November 2025 on the Association's website: www.stroke.bg
Expected impact
The project will improve the quality of life of people with aphasia by enabling them to communicate more successfully in key health situations. This will reduce the feeling of isolation and increase their self-confidence when interacting with medical professionals and society as a whole.
The relatives of the victims will receive practical tools and knowledge to be more effective in supporting and understanding their relative. This will reduce tension and improve the emotional connection in the family.
Medical and non-medical professionals will increase their capacity to work with people with communication difficulties, which will lead to better quality care, better information and ethical commitment to patient rights.
♻️ Persistence
The project is structured in such a way as to provide a long-term benefit even after the funding expires. The created resources – the mobile application, communication cards and guidelines – will remain freely available to a wide audience. The Stroke and Aphasia Association will continue to disseminate them through its website, events and partnerships.
In addition, trained professionals and relatives will have a sustainable capacity to work with people with aphasia, which will positively affect their practice in the long run. The established contacts and network of like-minded people will continue to be active after the end of the project.
Why is it important?
- Because every person has the right to be understood- Because help begins with proper communication- Because the environment must be adapted to the needs of people with aphasia
The project is funded by the Social Innovations Program of Sofia Municipality