Szucsko could understand what people were saying to him, but “couldn’t say the words.”

This language difficulty is called aphasia. While intellect and the ability to think remain, people with aphasia may have trouble understanding the speech of others, speaking, reading or writing.

At 53, Szucsko couldn't form sentences or words. He had to stop working as an electrical engineer for Hamilton Health Sciences, and it was difficult to communicate with his wife, family and friends.

So when Szucsko learned about community programs specially designed by speech pathologists for people with aphasia, he was keen to start.

“I believed it would be good for me,” Szucsko said.

He was right.

For over a year, Szucsko has attended communication and recreation programs run by two non-profit organizations — the Halton Aphasia Centre and the Seniors Activation Maintenance (SAM) Program.

The programs are facilitated by a speech language pathologist and a communicative disorders assistant.

“Aphasia masks competence,” said Vivienne Epstein, a speech language pathologist who works with the SAM Aphasia Programs. “We try to tap into that competence in a social group setting.”

During a session, communication specialists and trained staff and volunteers use techniques like writing out key words on paper and pointing to pictures to help aphasic individuals follow and participate in conversations.

The communication tools are used for “sharing the regular chit chat of ‘how are you?’ and ‘what do you think?’ that you miss out on (as a person with aphasia),” said Epstein.

Programs also provide education and counselling to participants and their caregivers.

“We work with the entire family,” said Karen MacKenzie-Stepner, speech pathologist for the Halton Aphasia Centre. “When you're communicating with a person with aphasia, it's equally important that you, as the listener, feel comfortable and know ways to assist the flow of the conversation.”

After his stroke, Szucsko said he could do “nothing at all.” Three years later, he is able to say, “I like my lifestyle.”

With encouragement from his wife, support from communication specialists and lots of determination, Szucsko is returning to his previous hobbies.

At 56, he has re-gained his driver’s licence, so he can drive his six antique cars. He can mow his front and back lawns.

Szucsko and his fellow program participants are organizing a fundraiser for the SAM Aphasia Program in Hamilton — a garage sale on Saturday, Aug. 28 from 9 a. m. to 1 p. m. at Church of the Nativity, 1831 King St. E., Hamilton. There will also be an open house for the SAM Program at the same time.

If you’re interested in volunteering or learning more, contact the SAM program, 905-525-5632, or www.samprogram.ca or the Halton Aphasia Centre, 905-702-5312 or www.haltonaphasiacentre.com