Promoting communication and community for people with aphasia
Beginning in the fall of 2015, the Northwestern University Aphasia Center (NUAC) will provide 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 | Read and discuss selected books. |
| Cyber Hour | Use our computer center to enhance your computer skills with guidance from group leaders using your preferred device (laptop, iPad, Kindle, iPhone, AAC device). |
| Exercise Club | Experience chair or body-based exercise at the adjacent Henry Crown Sports Pavilion. Activities will be guided by certified fitness professionals or physical therapists. |
| Music Club | Listen to and discuss a variety of music, both recorded and live, and engage in informal music-making activities. Directed by experts from the Bienen School of Music and the Department of Music Studies at Northwestern University. |
| Public Speaking | Practice a short speech in front of your peers and gain confidence about public speaking. Examples may include giving a presentation to students or giving a toast at a wedding. |
| TV & Film | Enjoy watching a classic film and sharing perspectives with fellow participants. |
| Newsroom | Engage in conversations about current events. |
| Journal Club | Engage in writing activities and discuss your writing with group members. |
| Community Connection | Volunteer for a community service project with peers. |
| Conversation Group | Enjoy informal discussion on a range of topics including personal and current events. |
| Games Group | Have some fun with your fellow members! This group will play board and card games and engage in friendly “competition.” |
| Open Computer Treatment (individual activity) | Practice language skills using Constant Therapy during open hours. Practice modules are individualized by center faculty. |
* 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.
Cynthia Thompson, PhD
Director of the Aphasia Center
Ralph and Jean Sundin Professor of Communication Sciences
Belma Hadziselimovic, MS, CCC-SLP
Northwestern University Clinical Faculty
Aaron Wilkins, MS CCC-SLP
Northwestern University Clinical Faculty