6 Tips To Traveling With Aphasia Like A Pro

Whether for business, leisure, or an event, travel takes us out of our comfort zones and pushes us to experience new things. After an aphasia diagnosis, traveling might sound more demanding than it once was. But with a few tips from us, you can set yourself up for travel success.

Prep Your AAC Device

For Lingraphica device users, it will come as no surprise that your communication device can be a great help during your travels. And whether you’re a seasoned pro or totally new to AAC, the simple design makes a Lingraphica device easy to customize ahead of time and use on the go.

We recommend creating a folder for quick access to information you might need to share, questions you might need to ask, and other travel-related things that come to mind. Here are a few key prompts you might consider adding:

• I have aphasia
• I am staying at the [hotel name] in [neighborhood]
• I would like to order the [menu item] (Tip: Most restaurant menus are available online, so you can program your order before visiting)
• Can you tell me where the restroom is?
• Which direction is the [local landmark]?
• Please call my emergency contact

The possibilities with a device are endless. Consider the scenarios you might experience, and prepare your device accordingly.

Do Some Research

This travel tip is essential — whether you have aphasia or not. Sure, spontaneity can be exciting while traveling, but everything tends to go smoother when you’ve done your research first. Familiarize yourself with the area you’re visiting with a map. Try to at least learn some of the main roads and local landmarks, especially in relation to where you’re staying. Make a list of restaurants that appeal to you, and give yourself a few options — who knows whether you’ll crave a salad or a pizza on the day of your travel. By thinking ahead, you can navigate travel situations with much more confidence.

Airport and TSA

The airport can be an overwhelming place sometimes, even for the well-traveled among us. But did you know the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has guidelines to help travelers with disabilities and medical conditions?

First, you can inform the TSA officer if you or your companion have aphasia. If you think you might need assistance, let them know. If needed, a private screening can be requested.

Print and Carry a Communication ID Card

During your travels, it can help to let others know you have aphasia. One problem, however, is that not everyone knows what aphasia is. A simple way to fill others in is with a communication ID card. These cards are helpful tools that allow people with aphasia or other communication needs to quickly relay the circumstances. For example, a communication ID card could say, “My name is Lindsay. I have aphasia. I have difficulty communicating. Speak slowly and clearly. Please give me time to talk.”

You can download a custom ID card from Lingraphica today.
Create Your ID Card

Know Your Limits

Travel burnout is a real thing that can affect anyone. Make sure you listen to your body and take care of yourself. If you’re feeling more tired than usual, consider a break. Exhaustion can affect communication, so make sure that you don’t overdo it. Plan your days with that in mind.

Ask Questions in the Aphasia Community Forums

The Aphasia Community by Lingraphica is a safe place for people with aphasia, their support network, and the professionals who serve them. It’s an ever-present reminder that wherever you are in your aphasia journey, you are not alone.

By joining the Aphasia Community, you can connect with others and learn about their travel experiences — there’s even a traveling with aphasia forum! Joining is fast, easy, and free! What sort of questions would you ask others with aphasia?