Texas Tech University

University to Host Expert Panel on Arts Therapy in Patients with Aphasia

Bri Lopez

February 2, 2022

Experts will explain the benefits and effects of arts therapy on those with the disorder known as aphasia.

WHAT:  Panel addresses arts therapy and its effects on aphasia patients at Texas Tech University  

WHEN:  4-5 p.m. Monday (Feb. 7) 

WHERE:  Red Raider Lounge, Student Union Building (SUB) OR attend virtually via Zoom    

EVENT:  The J.T. & Margaret Talkington College of Visual & Performing Arts (TCVPA) will host "Attacking Aphasia," a panel of four knowledgeable experts who address the benefits and effects of arts therapy on those with aphasia. 

Melinda Corwin, director of STAR, a stroke and aphasia recovery program at Texas Tech University Health Science Center (TTUHSC), and David Sears, co-director of the Performing Arts Research Laboratory (PeARL) at the School of Music, are joined by Malik Gillani and Jamil Khoury, founders and co-executive artistic directors of Silk Road Rising, a non-profit community-centered arts program based in Chicago.  

Aphasia is a language and speech disorder caused by damage to the brain, specifically the temporal lobe. Aphasia is generally the result of a stroke; however, other known causes have contributed to this disorder. There are different types of aphasia, but they can typically be divided into two main categories: fluent and nonfluent. With fluent aphasia, speech flows easily, but the message attempting to be conveyed lacks meaning. With nonfluent aphasia, speech proves to be more difficult as some words remain absent. 

CONTACT:  Patrick Hutchison
Director of communications, J.T. & Margaret Talkington College of Visual & Performing Arts, Texas Tech University 
patrick.hutchison@ttu.edu
(806) 834-5773