Our History
How did ARCH begin?
One of our founding members, Angelique Cauthorn, was looking for information and activities after surviving 2 strokes in May of 2017 that left her with neurocognitive issues including aphasia. She found out about a support group and during her first visit, the person in charge of the group mentioned aphasia research happening at Temple University.
After participating in research for a while, she was talking with Dr. Nadine Martin, the head of the lab, about how she was surprised there wasn’t a central place to find out about all of the resources available for people with aphasia in one spot. Dr. Martin agreed, and said other people with aphasia had expressed a similar thought so they decided to make that happen by establishing a network for the Philadelphia region.
The benefits are obvious.
- Imagine if there was a place to look on a trusted website to print out a flyer for support groups clinics, or research opportunities in the area. People with aphasia could learn about choirs and exercise groups and chat groups that can then grow while people with aphasia get more friends through a much-needed outlet as well as a place to learn.
- Researchers can share information breakthroughs and have a place to notify people with aphasia about research opportunities.
- Clinicians could have a reliable source in which to direct their clients so they could find out about everything available to them as well as have a way to engage with other clinicians in the area.
We believe that with participation and engagement we can create a network that empowers the aphasia community and all of its stakeholders.