Promoting communication and community for people with aphasia
The Northwestern University Aphasia Center (NUAC) provides a community for people affected by aphasia through membership activities that foster connection and communication. People of all ages with aphasia are invited to join and participate in the diverse and engaging programs designed and directed by center faculty.
The Aphasia Center’s mission is to provide opportunities for people with aphasia, their family members and friends, to interact with one another to improve social communication and quality of life.
Join our community and be a part of our family.
Group Programs
The Aphasia Center offers members access to interesting and accessible programs that take place once or twice per week. Activities are grounded in the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia (LPAA) designed to engage life interests, activities, and goals. All groups are facilitated by graduate clinicians and clinical faculty of the Northwestern University Speech-Language Pathology Master’s Program as well as other professional partners. Groups include:
- Book Club: Each quarter, we dive into 1-2 carefully selected books from a wide range of genres. Occasionally, we also read and discuss short stories and essays, adding variety and depth to our reading experiences.
- Film Club: Every week, we select a movie to watch independently and then come together for a lively discussion. Our film choices span a wide range of genres, including dramas, thrillers, documentaries, and romantic comedies. We enjoy both the latest releases and timeless classics.
- Current Events: Each week, we read and discuss 3 to 5 news stories covering a variety of topics, from politics and scientific innovation to health developments and pop culture. Our group fosters a warm and respectful environment, perfect for engaging in meaningful conversations about the latest happenings around the world.
- Yoga: In partnership with NU Recreation, we offer chair-based yoga led by a certified yoga instructor who can modify exercises for different ability levels. Exercises focus on strength, balance, and stretching as well as meditative breathing. At the beginning of each session there is dedicated time to chat and catch up before beginning the yoga exercises.
- Music: In collaboration with Institute for Therapy through the Arts, we gather weekly for guided conversation around a central theme. A certified music therapist leads and accompanies us in familiar songs in genres ranging from pop, folk, rhythm & blues, and rock music to Broadway musicals.
- Connecting Through Art: Exclusive to persons with neurodegenerative communication disorders, this group meets weekly to provide a forum for dialog through looking at art. The images offer a range of opportunities to discuss various styles, forms, and ideas related to the various ways artists have explored their craft. The relationship between communication and art is explored through subject matter, materials, and the overall interaction of the elements within the work.
- Conversation: We offer a variety of conversation groups tailored to meet the participants’ individual needs. Some groups may be themed based on interests, such as travel or history, while other groups are more general with rotating topics and activities.
* Some group activities may not be offered each quarter. See registration form for current group offerings
Rates
Full Membership – unlimited participation in all programs – $500 per academic quarter
Partial Membership – participation in one or two programs – $250 per academic quarter
A brief speech-language screening is required of new members free of charge in order to enroll in the program.
For more information, please contact the Aphasia Center at 847-491-3165 or nucasll@northwestern.edu.
About Us
The Aphasia Center is led by expert research and clinical faculty whose partnership brings a comprehensive understanding of how to strengthen communication skills in people living with aphasia. The Aphasia Center is located within the Northwestern University Center for Audiology, Speech, Language, and Learning on the Evanston campus.
Belma Hadziselimovic, SLPD, CCC-SLP
Clinical Professor
Karen Kinderman, MS, CCC-SLP
Assistant Clinical Professor
Sarah Penzell, SLPD, CCC-SLP
Associate Clinical Professor
Aaron Wilkins, SLPD, CCC-SLP
Associate Clinical Professor