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Aphasia Communication Enhancement Program

Who We Are
The Charles Van Riper Language, Speech, and Hearing clinic has provided quality services to people living with aphasia for many years and has long been in the forefront of offering group therapy for enhancing communication abilities. Therapy is provided by Western Michigan University graduate student clinicians supervised by experienced speech-language pathologists who hold the Certifi cate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The current aphasia program incorporates best-practice research on improving the ability of the person with aphasia to participate in activities, with the overall goal of improved quality of life. The ongoing concerns and needs of caregivers are also recognized and addressed through peer support and group programming.

Who Can Benefit?
Individuals with aphasia and family members or caregivers

What Problems Are Addressed?
Diagnosis and treatment of problems resulting from aphasia including difficulties reading, writing, speaking, understanding and participating in life activities

What We Can Do

• Evaluate current communication status
  
• Provide individual therapy as needed for skill development
  
• Provide group therapy directed toward improving
  · communication abilities
  · participation in activities related to interests
  · social and peer support
  · increased self confi dence and new skills
  
• Match individuals with aphasia to volunteer communication partners for practicing conversations or participating in community volunteer experiences

SPECIAL SERVICES

• Augmentative and alternative communication evaluations
  
• Wellness seminars
  
• Art therapy
  
• Music therapy
  
• Caregiver support groups
  

The Charles Van Riper Language, Speech, and Hearing Clinic operates as an integral part of the WMU Unified Clinics and the educational program in the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology. Students serve as clinicians under the direct supervision of faculty members who hold the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. In some instances, services are provided directly by a faculty member.