Having the courage to be competent: Persons and families living with aphasia

This paper provides examples and illustrations of how aphasic people can and do demonstrate their competence in managing their lives despite chronic aphasia. It discusses a number of ways in which aphasic persons and their families can learn to live fully despite the intrusion of aphasia. Educational objectives: After reading this paper, participants should (1) have a more fully developed appreciation of what it means to live courageously with aphasia, (2) recognize the importance of developing a lifespan perspective following the onset of aphasia, and (3) better understand competence in aphasia.