Conversation Groups for People with Aphasia: Techniques & Application

This is part two of a two-part series on Conversation Groups for Individuals with Aphasia. Please watch part one before viewing this course. Conversation is considered to be one of the core areas of deficit for those living with aphasia. We know that enhancing life participation and quality of life are consistent with the World Health Organization framework and ASHA’s Scope of Practice for speech-language pathologists. But how can we assist individuals with aphasia (PWA) to become better communicators and achieve a better quality of life? The second part of this course, with Dr. Roberta J. Elman, describes clinical techniques that the facilitator can use to improve both communication ability and psychosocial functioning for PWA. Videotaped examples from an aphasia conversation group demonstrate a variety of effective techniques and strategies. Specific suggestions for program implementation, including efficient documentation, developing treatment goals, and navigating funding issues, are shared.