CourtesyThe Evelyn Hendren Cassat Speech-Language-Hearing (SLH) Clinic at Wichita State completed its Intensive Aphasia Program in August, the first of its kind in Kansas.
Aphasia is a communication disorder that affects the ability to speak, listen, read and/or write. Despite these deficits, individuals with aphasia have not lost intelligence or cognition. Aphasia most often occurs as a result of a stroke, however, disease or damage to parts of the brain that control language can also cause the disorder.
The Intensive Aphasia Program treated four Wichita-area residents, ranging in age from 45-65. The participants underwent intensive therapy for six hours a day for two weeks.
Joanna Wyckoff and Ashley Purdum, clinical educators, supervised speech pathology graduate students and led the group, individual, partner and computer sessions. Participants learned new strategies to cope with aphasia and improve overall communication.
鈥淭his was a very exciting and rewarding program,鈥� says Wyckoff. 鈥淲e got to know each person really well and were emotionally invested in their success.鈥�
Prior to starting intensive therapy, participants went through a comprehensive evaluation to determine their levels of ability. Based on the results, personalized plans of care and goals were developed for each individual.
鈥淭he scores on the participants鈥� standardized tests increased overall by the end of the program,鈥� says Wyckoff. 鈥淲itnessing the progress they made was incredible.鈥�
She says each person reached their personal goals and gained enough confidence to resume activities that they enjoy.
One man鈥檚 goal was to have a conversation with his grandchild by the end of the program. Not only did he achieve that milestone, but made another breakthrough by going fishing 鈥� an activity he loved prior to his stroke and hadn鈥檛 done for over 10 years.
Another woman鈥檚 goal was to record an audiobook for her grandchild. At the end of the program she recorded the book and was ecstatic about realizing her full potential.
鈥淎ll aspects of their lives improved dramatically because of the program,鈥� Wyckoff said. 鈥淭heir self-esteem rose and they now have a higher quality of life.鈥�
Participants are featured in a video sharing their experiences with aphasia and how the program helped them.
This year鈥檚 program was modeled after others in the country and operated as a pilot program. Because of its success, the clinic is accepting applications for next year. Wyckoff hopes to reach people in other parts of the state or country, especially those without access to these kinds of services.
She says the program is best suited for people who experienced a stroke more than a year ago and have already started and discontinued therapy. Studies show that these clients can achieve continued improvement and show lasting benefits from intensive, frequent therapy.
To find out more information about the Intensive Aphasia Program, contact the clinic at 316-978-3289. for the program are available. There is no age requirement for the program.
Additional aphasia services are also available at the clinic, including individual therapy and weekly group sessions.
The clinic offers a variety of diagnostic and clinical services to the general public in the areas of and disorders. Services are provided by graduate students and faculty in the Communication Sciences and Disorders department. The clinic allows students to develop clinical knowledge and enhance their skills under the direct supervision of licensed faculty and certified speech-language pathologists and audiologists.