At a recent basketball game, the work of Dr. Alana Kozlowski was the focus of the Bancorp South Maroon Minute.

Dr. Alana Kozlowski studies people with an acquired communication disorder called aphasia. Those who suffer from aphasia are sometimes unable to speak or follow a conversation.

Kozlowski has been working to develop a way for those with the disorder to have a rewarding environment to learn and communicate. She and her graduate students are emphasizing what those who struggle with verbalization can do, and they are building on those strengths using sing-alongs.

The sing-alongs build camaraderie and provide a stress-free opportunity for those with aphasia to successfully communicate with their caregivers. Through this community-based group, Kozlowski has seen increased confidence in communication and renewed engagement in the individuals involved.