4-week Intensive Aphasia Program Launched

Northwestern University’s Aphasia Institute is launching a four-week summer program offering a combination of intensive individual and group therapy for individuals with aphasia. Research has shown that intensive aphasia treatment benefits patients more than other forms of therapy, regardless of the stage of recovery. An acquired communication disorder that impairs a person’s ability to process language, aphasia affects 1 in 250 people according to the National Aphasia Association. Between 25-50% of stroke survivors acquire aphasia, which can also result from head injury, brain tumor, or other neurological causes.

Partnering with Northwestern University’s Aphasia and Neurolinguistic Research Laboratory, the Intensive Summer Aphasia Program is designed for individuals with mild to severe aphasia. The summer program runs July 9 through August 3, providing sixteen hours of therapy per week on the Evanston campus. Education and support services for family members and caregivers are also offered during the program. Additionally, participants may choose to enroll in research studies conducted by the Aphasia and Neurolinguistic Research Laboratory.

Services are directed by faculty who are licensed and certified speech-language pathologists who supervise graduate students in patient therapy. The Aphasia Institute is associated with the Speech, Language, and Learning Clinic in The Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. The Clinic also offers ongoing treatment for aphasia and other speech, language, and cognitive needs in individual or group sessions.

For application and cost information, call 847-491-5012 or visit communication.northwestern.edu/AphasiaInstitute.