Improving communication for people with aphasia using identification cards.

Effects of Aphasia Identification Cards on Comprehension of Aphasic Language by Unfamiliar Communication Partners.

NIH-funded research University of Massachusetts Amherst · NIH-11055738

This study is looking at whether using special identification cards can help service workers better understand and communicate with people who have aphasia, making their interactions smoother and more positive.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Hadley, United States)
Project IDNIH-11055738 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how aphasia identification cards can enhance the understanding of individuals with aphasia by unfamiliar communication partners, particularly service workers. The study aims to improve comprehension and communication experiences for people with aphasia by providing these partners with written self-advocacy statements that explain aphasia and offer guidance on effective communication strategies. By conducting a randomized controlled trial, the research will assess whether these ID cards positively influence the attitudes and comprehension abilities of service workers when interacting with individuals who have aphasia.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with aphasia.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have aphasia or those who are unable to communicate verbally may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve communication experiences for people with aphasia, enabling them to advocate for their needs more effectively.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that communication aids can improve interactions for individuals with language disorders, suggesting a promising avenue for this approach.

Where this research is happening

Hadley, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.