In today’s interconnected world, fostering a diverse and inclusive community is essential for promoting understanding, empathy, and growth in all aspects of life. Lingraphica recognizes our responsibility to our community, and we strive to promote equity and inclusion initiatives throughout our organization. Our Virtual Connections program embodies these values, offering dedicated sessions for women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and Spanish speakers. We also launched a campaign to recruit more facilitators of color so that all members of our Virtual Connections community can feel represented and understood.
Women’s Open Chat
Our Women’s Open Chat session is a space for women to engage in open conversations about their experiences with aphasia. It serves as a platform for sharing stories, discussing challenges, and offering support to one another.
LGBT Meetup
We recognize the unique experiences and needs of LGBTQ+ individuals with aphasia. This session offers a supportive space for self-expression and an opportunity for participants to explore the intersectionality of their identities. This session empowers individuals to reclaim their voices, build resilience, and find strength within a community that understands and embraces their journey.
Afasia en Español
Our Afasia en Español session aims to meet the diverse linguistic needs of Spanish-speaking individuals. This session provides a safe and welcoming space where participants can communicate in their native language. Through shared experiences and specialized guidance, participants gain confidence, enhance their communication skills, and establish meaningful connections with fellow Spanish speakers navigating aphasia-related challenges.
Campaign to Recruit Diverse Facilitators
Virtual Connections facilitators are the individuals who lead the various sessions we offer. Representation matters. When individuals from diverse backgrounds see facilitators who share their experiences, it creates a sense of belonging and encouragement. An essential part of Lingraphica’s Virtual Connections program is the creation of safe spaces where participants can freely express themselves without judgment.
Recruiting a diverse pool of facilitators helps Lingraphica’s Virtual Connections program address the barriers and stigmas that people with aphasia may face when seeking support. Language and cultural barriers can hinder communication and limit access to services. Having facilitators who share similar cultural backgrounds and can communicate in participants’ native languages helps bridge these gaps, promoting a more inclusive and accessible program.
By ensuring our facilitators reflect the diversity of experience of our members, Lingraphica’s Virtual Connections program aims to provide a platform where participants from any background can participate in sessions run by facilitators who understand their unique perspectives.
Diversity initiatives in Lingraphica’s Virtual Connections program align with broader efforts towards achieving equity and social justice. By actively recruiting facilitators of color, the program takes a proactive step in addressing disparities and inequities that exist in the provision of resources and support services. As Lingraphica continues its commitment to diversity and inclusivity, we strive to create a more equitable and diverse support network for individuals with communication challenges.
Interested in Facilitating a VC Session?
Email Virtual Connections Manager Allie Reed at areed@lingraphica.com
