Carin Keyes, MS, CCC-SLP
Chippewa Valley Aphasia Group

Tom Sather, PhD, CCC-SLP
Marybeth Clark, MS, CCC-SLP
Jerry Hoepner, PhD, CCC-SLP
Michele Knutson, MS, CCC-SLP

Description

• What is Postcrossing?
• Postcrossing (www.postcrossing.com) is a website that allows people to send/receive postcards from all over the world. A person who is a member of Postcrossing (aka Postcrosser) sends out a postcard and will receive one back from a random Postcrosser from somewhere in the world. 
• Enrollment is free but required to participate in Postcrossing. Postcrossers fill out a profile providing contact information, username, etc. After the profile is set up, you are given five addresses with postcard ID numbers at random and asked to send out the postcards. The only cost involved is postage and postcards.
• When the addressees receive their postcards, they register the postcard on the website. When this occurs, a random Postcrosser will receive your address therefore you will get a postcard in return. You are also then eligible to request another address (Magalhaes, 2005). 
  
  
• How to use it in group:
• The first step is to make a profile on www.postcrossing.com. You can do this during the first group session or a leader can do this ahead of time. The profile can always be updated or changed if needed. Enroll as a "group" and use your Aphasia Group's mailing address if possible.
• After introducing the activity, it is recommended that some time is used to brainstorm ideas about what to write on the postcards. This may include short sentences about the individual with aphasia, where they live, the weather, or important ideas someone may want to communicate. Scripts can then be written to help those who need cueing or need to use copying to write. 
• When all participants are aware of the task, each person is given a postcard with an address and the receivers profile information (you may have to adapt this by reading these aloud for those who have difficulty with reading). If you have a large group, you may have to do this in pairs.
• At the beginning, one-on-one assistance may be needed to get started. After many meetings doing this activity, assistance required decreases. 
• After a period of time, some of the session time is used to review postcards that you have received from all over the world.

• Computer with internet access
• Postcards 
• Stamps (for within US and Overseas)
• Pens
• Print out of addresses/postcrossing profile from website
  
  Optional:
• scripts 
• Information about countries that you'll be sending to (via computer, google earth etc.)

Preparation Details 

• Go to www.postcrossing.com, sign up, and review the process as well as read the "rules" for the website. 
  
  
• Purchase at least 5 postcards (will need more after first session) and gather the materials mentioned above.
  
  
• Prepare a handout to explain the postcrossing process with the group members (an example is attached)

• 10-20 minutes

• Less than 10 minutes

• Greater than 60 minutes

Selection Criteria
(See Below if Applicable)

• This activity is best for individuals who have strengths in particular areas.

• It is best suited for individuals who have some writing ability although can be adapted for those who are able to dictate as well.

• For those who cannot write but can dictate, there is a possibility of having the person with aphasia dictate their postcard and then print it out and paste it onto the card. 
  
  
• Many members use scripts that were developed in group or their own that they dictated onto their phone/tablet. They then copy the words onto the postcard in their own handwriting.
  
  
• We have members that come to the Postcrossing Group just to have conversations about the countries the postcards are sent to and don't write anything at all.

• I have found that this activity can lead to a lot of conversation. This is good, although many people need a quiet environment to concentrate on the writing tasks. Smaller groups may be better although if the noise level can be controlled, many people can be involved.