York-Durham Aphasia Centre programs emphasize group activities that are adult-oriented and spark communication among participants. Our clients practice and develop specific communication skills in addition to speech, such as listening abilities and comprehension.
Some typical skill sessions and activity groups include:
- Music is a right brain function. As a result, clients with aphasia and loss of speech (left-brained functions) can often still sing. Program participants learn and sing songs to wake up the brain, their vocal cords and trigger memory functions.
- Visual arts are also a right brain function and clients with aphasia can develop this skill as an alternative form of communication. The goal is not to become an artist but to draw well enough to create messages.
- Reading is often impacted by aphasia and abilities vary widely among clients. Some participants are able to read words or short phrases only while other clients are able to read longer passages with support. Some of our programs offer support Book Clubs and aphasia-friendly stories.
- Writing is often impacted by aphasia and by the physical effects of stroke. Most clients are encouraged to perform some level of writing in the program. Some clients work on the mechanics of writing while other clients tackle creative writing.
- Public speaking is a skill many clients want to further develop. These sessions help them to plan a speech, think on their feet and help them gain confidence in public situations.
- Cards and games provide clients with an opportunity to teach or learn from others and to understand and apply a set of rules.
- Cooking allows clients to use the 5 senses and the universal language of food, to communicate.
- Life history Communication Books enable clients to share their life experiences through photographs and stories.