Aphasia Communication Enhancement Program

Welcome to the Aphasia Communication Enhancement (ACE) Program!  

The Western Michigan University (WMU) Charles Van Riper Language, Speech and Hearing Clinic (CVRLSHC) has provided speech and language services to people living with aphasia since 2003 and has long been in the forefront of offering individual and group therapy for enhancing communication abilities.  

Therapy is provided by WMU graduate student clinicians from the
Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences and supervised by experienced speech-language pathologists who hold a certificate 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. This is a key principle of the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia (LPAA). The ongoing concerns and needs of caregivers are also recognized and addressed through peer support and group programming. 

Our services

• Evaluation of current communication status 

• Individual and Group therapy programs directed toward: 
    - building strategies and alternative methods for communication 
    - improving communication abilities 
    - participating in social activities 

• Virtual treatment (Telehealth) 

• Caregiver support groups 

 

Cost of services

Individual Session: $26.25  
Group Session: $15 

For example, if Mary attends an individual session on Tuesday and a group session on Thursday, her weekly total would be $41.25 per week.    

We do not bill insurance for these student-led enrichment services. We do offer a sliding fee scale to those who qualify.  

 

Resources

Who can benefit?
  • Individuals with aphasia 

  • Family members or caregivers of individuals with aphasia

Aphasia Awareness

  • Photo of Allison Mezo

    Questions?

    For more information about the Aphasia Communication Enhancement Program, please contact Allison Mezo, ACE Speech Clinician.

    Contact Allison