Hungarian Aphasia Choir Coping Online During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Aphasia choirs have been gaining more and more attention for the last decade. The operation of these are based on two pillars: the therapeutic effect of singing with aphasia and decreasing the social isolation of clients with a verbal language disorder. The aim of this article is to draw attention to the international community of these choirs, with special focus on the Hungarian Aphasia Choir, and show their challenges resulting from the restrictions imposed by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The Hungarian Aphasia Choir has had their therapeutic rehearsals online for seven months. The participants’ experiences and their coping methods regarding online and offline choir sessions were examined by an online survey of five questions completed by thirteen choir members living with aphasia as well as some of their caregivers. The responses clearly show the choir members’ general desire to carry on offline rehearsals, while the results also demonstrate that online rehearsals are effective in decreasing social isolation.