The Aphasia Center at the Stroke of Hope Club, Inc. is dedicated to providing education and support to those whose lives have been touched by aphasia.  Aphasia is a communication disorder.  It may affect a person’s ability to speak, read or write, but does not affect their intellect.  It can occur as a result of a head trauma, tumor or in most cases a stroke.

To enroll in programs at the Aphasia Center, please call the office to make an appointment to visit our Center.  During your visit, you will meet with the speech pathologist and volunteer staff to learn more about “Aphasia 101: An Introduction to Aphasia” and the daily programs and classes available at the Aphasia Center. 

The “Aphasia 101” program is a 6 week education program for people with aphasia and their spouse, family member and/or caregiver.  Sessions will be held once a week on Monday’s for two hours to provide education in the area of aphasia and communication strategies.  “Aphasia 101: An Introduction to Aphasia”  includes:

• A complete diagnostic speech and language evaluation

• A copy of the “Aphasia Handbook”, a guide for stroke survivors;

• Education about Aphasia

• Introduction to new communication techniques

• Introduction to the computer programs available at our Speech Lab

Upon complete of the “Aphasia 101” program, recommendations will be made as to which of the assigned classes and electives available at the Aphasia Center best meets your needs.  The recommendation will be based on results of the diagnostic evaluation included in the “Aphasia 101” program.

To enroll in the “Aphasia 101” program send, a completed registration form and a check payable to The Stroke of Hope Club, Inc.  We will mail you a letter of confirmation, with the actual time of the Aphasia 101 program included. 

For more information, please phone the office at 561-745-0400.

CRITERIA FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE APHASIA CENTER

• The following criteria must be met in order to participate in programs at The Aphasia Center at The Stroke of Hope Club, Inc
   

• Individuals must have completed the “Aphasia 101: An Introduction to Aphasia” program.
   

• Individuals must have a documented diagnosis of aphasia (which will be completed in the above)
   

• Individuals may have Aphasia with additional disorders of speech and language (dysarthria, apraxia, cognitive deficits) but these must not interfere with the individuals’ ability to participate in Aphasia Center programs.
   

• Individuals must be able to maintain alertness for the length of each class (one hour).
   

• Individuals exhibiting disruptive behaviors will be asked by the program director to leave the program.
   

• Individuals must arrange transportation.  Prompt pick-up and drop-off is mandatory.
   

• Individuals must be independent in all personal needs (Activities of Daily Living or ADLs), or accompanied by a caregiver.  The caregiver must be on the premises and available at all times during program hours.

These criteria apply to Aphasia 101 and on-going programs at the Aphasia Center.

Individuals who do not meet these criteria will be referred to programs in the community which better meet their needs.

• All a.m. programs will begin at 10:00a.m. and end at 12:00p.m.
• The a.m. programs will have specific names rather than simply be called “aphasia groups”. This will provide better information for the public as to what the programs are.
• Each a.m. program will touch on two topic areas, as has been the case with our Friday program.

2. Who can attend the Aphasia Center programs?

• Any interested community member is welcome to attend the a.m. programs – 10:00a.m. until 12:00p.m.
• The afternoon classes are only available to people who have completed the Aphasia 101 program. Classes will be assigned by the speech pathologist at the end of the Aphasia 101 class.
• There are very specific criteria that need to be met in order to attend the afternoon classes.

3. How much does it cost to attend the Aphasia Center?

• There are no fees charged to attend the a.m. programs.
• To attend the afternoon assigned classes, the victor must enroll for a 10 week session with classes, meeting 4 days a week. The total fee is $300 for the 10 week session.

4. Does my insurance or Medicare cover the charges?

• No. Insurance and/or Medicare will not provide reimbursement for these services.

5. Why is there a fee charged for the afternoon classes?

• A fee is charged because there will be actual “classes” provided in the afternoon. Sessions will be planned to meet the individual needs of those attending these classes.
• The Board of Directors of the Stroke of Hope Club, Inc. established these charges in order to meet the needs of our victors with aphasia who require on-going speech programs, offered by a licensed speech-language pathologist.

6. Why should I participate in the afternoon classes?

• If your speech pathologist recommends participation in the assigned classes, then it has been determined through your evaluation that you will benefit from on-going aphasia treatment. It is a fact that aphasia is a chronic disorder. You will continue to experience improvement in your communication skills, to reduce your frustration, and to maintain your motivation by participating in this program.  Participation is voluntary, however. The Assigned classes are available to you if you are interested in pursuing these.

7. How do I enroll in the afternoon classes?

• Upon the completion of your Aphasia 101 class, you will be provided with an enrollment form. This form will include the goals and objectives for your assigned classes. Simply complete the enrollment form and return this with your enrollment fee of $300 to the Stroke of Hope Club, Inc. The dates of the 10 week program will be listed on the enrollment form.