Aphasia
- a·pha·sia noun \ə-ˈfā-zh(ē-)ə\
- Aphasia is a LANGUAGE disorder typically caused by a stroke. It makes using and processing language difficult, including speaking, listening comprehension, reading and writing. Aphasia does not affect intellect or cognitive skills in any way.
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Programs for Aphasia
Marion works with clients in the TalkSpot Aphasia Art Workshop
The TalkSpot provides continuing speech therapy support and education to individuals living with aphasia as well as their families. Programming focuses on enhancing speech, language and communication skills by providing opportunities for meaningful conversations within The TalkSpot community as well as supporting our members within the larger community. In addition, The TalkSpot strives to educate the general public about aphasia and creates opportunities for its’ members to participate in community advocacy work.
The Aphasia Program at The TalkSpot goes far beyond the traditional 1:1 treatment sessions typically provided in the early stages following stroke. Our philosophy, known as "The Life Participation Approach," looks at how aphasia impacts all aspects of a person's life, with group and individual speech therapy designed to:
- Optimize everyday communication
- Create a supportive, social, therapeutic community
- Re-engage in a full life with aphasia
People with aphasia can continue to improve their communication abilities well beyond the typical 6 months of therapy covered by Medicare and insurance companies. The Life Participation Approach allows for ongoing speech therapy services for people living with aphasia, and education and support for their families.
Visit the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association site for more information about The Life Participation Approach.
A TalkSpot client works in the computer center
Classes in our Aphasia Program are two hours, with clients joining different groups according to their interests and needs, up to three times weekly. A sampling of our groups include: book discussions, communication strategies, computers, current events, photography, music, drama, games and travel.
Schedule & Fees
Monday Session |
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|---|---|---|
| 10am–Noon | Aphasia Conversation Group | One 2-hour class, $50/week |
Wednesday Session |
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| 1pm–2pm | Mild Aphasia Group | One 1-hour class, $25/week |
Friday Session |
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| 10am–11am | $50/week; Members choose to attend either 10-Noon or 11am-1pm.
*lunch is ordered in weekly for a $5 fee |
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| 11am–Noon | Conversation Group | |
| Noon–1pm | Conversation Group & lunch* | |
- Each two-hour session (Monday or Friday) costs $50 per week.
- Each program has a sliding scale available for those who qualify. Please let us know if you would like to request financial assistance. Contact us.
Descriptions of Aphasia Groups
Monday Group Session
A group speech therapy session at The TalkSpot
Conversation Group
10am–Noon
This class will allow for a free-flowing weekly conversation and discussion of events in our lives, current events, politics, sports, art, music and travel. This group may also include reading, review and sharing of newspaper articles for those interested in practicing reading comprehension and oral discussion skills.
Schedule & Fees | Policies | Register now!
Wednesday Group Session
Mild Aphasia Group
1pm-2pm
On Wednesdays, The TalkSpot is offering a special new group just for people with mild aphasia, many of whom are in the process of returning to work and enjoy conversation, support, and sharing experiences, strategies and tips for living and working with mild aphasia.
Friday Group Sessions
Focus on Apraxia
10am–11am
This group allows those whose primary communication challenge is apraxia of speech, a speech difficulty in properly sequencing the sounds in words, sentences and syllables. Topics will vary, but typically will include sharing and practicing of strategies for improved communication, open-ended complex level conversation, articulation review and practice.
Schedule & Fees | Policies | Register now!
Clients at The TalkSpot playing a board game in one of our comfortable conversation areas
Conversation & Lunch
11am–1pm
This class will allow for a free-flowing weekly conversation and discussion of events in our lives, current events, politics, sports, art, music and travel. This group may also include board games, puzzles, art programs and music. Lunch will be enjoyed by the group from 12:30-1pm, with sandwiches delivered each week.
Schedule & Fees | Policies | Register now!
TalkSpot member Susi Rubinstein with Fairfield Ludlowe High School psychology teacher, Sara Bassett following a great session where Susi shared life with aphasia with 22 high school students.
Outings and Special Projects
Our Members continue to plan Outings and Special Projects, enjoying such activities as teaching High School Psychology classes about aphasia and community visits, such as our trip to The Museum of Modern Art.
See what we were up to last semester and see what we have planned!