#171 3 Steps to Stop Protecting & Start Partnering for Aphasia Inclusion

Inclusion doesn't just happen—it’s something we practice. The loving instinct to protect your person with aphasia can inadvertently shrink their world, but today, host Genevieve shares a practical, evidence-based 3-part Inclusion Routine.

This tactical action plan is grounded in frameworks like Supported Conversation for Adults (SCA™) and is designed to turn the belief that inclusion is participation into a daily reality. Learn to shift your mindset from guarding to guiding with the 3–5 Step Rule, transfer the Director role back to your loved one, and focus on Legacy, Not Perfection, whether you're making coffee or planning a holiday.

Key Takeaways (The 3 Steps to Participation)

• Pillar 1: The 3–5 Step Rule: Simplify tasks by breaking them down into three to five manageable steps to ensure success comes from participation competence, not linguistic perfection.
• Pillar 2: You're the Assistant: Intentionally shift control and ownership back to your loved one (Partner Equalization) by using Fixed Choices and stating out loud: "You call the shots. I’ll support you."
• Pillar 3: Legacy, Not Perfection: Measure success by your shared accomplishment, not flawless communication. Write and Verify their choices to make the message concrete, visual, and linked to their enduring identity.

Call to Action If you want to make your holidays more inclusive—and these strategies work all year—you can get the book Aphasia Inclusive Celebrations at https://lifeaphasiaacademy.co/aphasia-inclusive-celebrations