Everyday Tech in Stroke and Brain Injury Recovery

Recovery isn’t about workbooks. It’s about living your life again.

When I meet a client after a stroke or brain injury, I don’t begin with flashcards or worksheets. I start with a question:

“What would make you feel like yourself again?”

The answers are deeply personal, but many people say things like:

• “I want to communicate clearly.”

• “I want to get around independently.”

• “I want to connect with family and friends.”

• “I want to return to work.”

These aren’t just goals. They’re the everyday activities that make life meaningful.

Everyday Tech as a Therapy Tool

For almost every recovery goal, there’s an app or tool that can help. Phones, tablets, and computers can become powerful therapy supports when they’re used intentionally.

In therapy sessions, we might practice:

• Sending a text or voice message

• Making a video call to a family member

• Using GPS navigation to build independence

• Setting reminders and calendar alerts to support memory

By focusing on everyday tech, therapy connects directly to real life, not just clinic tasks.

Adapting Tools for Your Brain

Of course, no two recoveries look the same. Technology is only helpful if it’s accessible. That’s why we adapt tools to fit each person’s needs, whether that means:

• Adjusting accessibility settings for vision or reading

• Using voice-to-text instead of typing

• Breaking tasks into smaller steps for attention or processing challenges

• Simplifying screens or layouts to reduce frustration

The goal isn’t to master every app. It’s to create a toolkit that works for you.

Functional Therapy = Real-Life Recovery

Functional therapy means therapy that translates directly into daily life. Instead of isolated drills, we work on the activities that matter most: reconnecting with friends, navigating your neighborhood, or preparing to return to work.

Recovery isn’t about rebuilding skills in a vacuum. It’s about reclaiming your life and independence.

Moving Forward

If you or a loved one are navigating recovery from a stroke or brain injury, functional therapy can help. Everyday technology makes it possible to practice communication, memory, and independence in ways that matter most.

At Third Space Speech, we provide speech therapy for stroke recovery, brain injury rehabilitation, and cognitive-communication support across Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Services are available in person or via secure teletherapy.